old american flag tutorial and Printable

Update: Another option would be to attach to a thin board and frame!  Also this was burlap from the garden section.  The holes are are much larger then burlap you buy at a fabric store.  I'm sure either on would work you may just end up with a little different finish.

 Old American Flag 
 

The size of the flag makes it the perfect statement piece for any room.  It is hand painted on burlap giving it texture and a more rustic and aged look.  The burlap also gives the appearance of  a painted canvas.  Its new spot is in the living room surrounded by family photos and I can't think of a more appropriate place.  It reminds me of the love I have for my country and the gratitude I have for the heroes that fought and those that continue to fight for us.  Its the perfect summer decoration or you could even use it year round.

Ready to make your own? 

Start out with a foam board  and cut a piece of burlap a little larger.  Tape it in place.

 Paint your box for the stars white and they start painting stripes.  Burlap was tough to paint.  dab a little and then just keep brushing.  You don't want to use too much paint at a time or you will end up with globs of paint like I did.

Cut some stars out on contact paper and adhere where you want them.  Paint your box blue.  Once it dries peal off your contact paper and you'll have white stars.

  

One it dries peel off your flag from your board (the paint makes it stick a bit).  I flipped my board over because it made the large paint spots a little less noticeable.  Spray your board with a spray adhesive and attach your flag.  Trim the edges.

This is one of my favorite patriotic songs so I thought it would be perfect to add to my home.
You are welcome to use this free printable if you would like.  Right click and "save picture as" then print it out.

Lost Socks

I don't know about you but I have a lot of socks missing their match.  I often throw them into a laundry basket and avoid them unless I'm desperate for a pair.  I was inspired by this post to create my own lost sock board.

Here's mine.  Cute Right?!?

Paint your board, add vinyl, and use ink to distress.

Trace your clothes pins on pattern paper and cut out.  Ink edges.

Hot glue your paper to your clothespins and then to your board.

Hang up and add your extra socks.  Or if you are like me pull a few from your basket full of missing socks to display.

From nice to Gorgeous!

My Mother-in-law gave us a pretty picture of Christ about 5 years ago for Christmas.  We really liked it but the frame didn't quite fit in with our decor.  We've used it but since we moved in our last home (about 5 months ago) it sat on the floor in our Living Room because I just didn't know where to put it.   So I grabbed some black paint and switched out the picture (I like this one but I decided to use my favorite one of Christ instead).

It went from this (nice right?)

 to this!  I love it!  I think its absolutely gorgeous.

 detail of the frame

I removed the center gold piece to accommodate the size of my picture if not I would have painted it as well.  Can I let you in on a little secret?  Both pictures are from calendars.  They are beautiful and you can't even tell.

Interchangeable wreath with Chalkboard!

Today I have a fun wreath that is perfect all year round.  I live in a small rental with not a lot of storage so I really need decorations that can be used for more then one month out of the year.  However, I often get bored looking at the same things everyday so I really love projects that can be easily change each Holiday or season.  So I created this wreath.  The base is neutral but has a splash of color with the flowers that can easily be switched out, and as a special bonus a mini chalkboard to write all of those seasonal messages.

Here's my Spring version

Just Imagine your cute writing instead of my not-so-cute handwriting.

Here's How I made my wreath

I started off with a wood wreath form.  I wrapped it with some batting to make it a little fuller (If you have a foam wreath you can skip this step)

Next cut out long 2 inch strips of a neutral fabric (think whites, browns, linen, burlap, etc.)  You need enough to wrap around your entire wreath.  Add a little hot glue to one end of your fabric and start wrapping.  Continue until your entire wreath is covered.  You may want to add some hot glue as you go to secure it in place.

For the chalkboard I used a wood plaque from the craft section at walmart.  (It was around $1).

  I painted the edges green and then used chalkboard paint on the front.  Follow the directions on your paint.

Once its dry its time to secure it to your wreath.  Use Craft wire and just start wrapping.  You'll want to go from one side to the other to secure the board to the wreath.  It makes a fun edge on your board.

Here's the back of mine, pretty huh.  Its not going anywhere.

Glue on a magnet where you want your flowers to be and attach a ribbon.  For the flowers make your favorite type and glue them together on a piece of felt (like you would if you were making a headband or bib necklace).  Hot glue a magnet to the back of your flowers. 

Combine your flowers (or anything you want) with your chalkboard message and you will have an adorable wreath you can use all year long. 

Everyday Welcome Wreath

I currently have a wreath I kind of love on my door so I decided to move it to my girl's bedroom door.  Its pinned to the top of the door with a thumb tack.  It makes me happy every time I walk down the hall.

Linking up to:

Naturally Me Creations

Tatertots and Jello

The Creative Crate

Making the World Cuter

Today's Creative Blog

Old Barn Window transformation

Okay so it's not a real barn window but it was made like 15 years ago to look like one.  Here's what it looks like now!  Its been painted, and sanded for a distressed look, fabric stapled behind, and a wreath added for the finishing touch.

I painted the wreath and then attached the ribbon to the top of the window with a thumb tack.

Ready to see the before's?  This window has been through a lot.  (you may recognize these if you've been following me for a while)

In its original form only worn out from being smashed in my storage for a few years.  But you get the idea.  It was made to look like an old window with curtains and vines going up the side.

Then I turned it into a giant picture frame.

Next makeover.  I loved it but it was missing something

 Well a year later I finally figured out what. 

I love the size and the huge impact it makes in my dinning room.

Car Organizer

Now I'll be the first to say this is certainly not the cutest thing I've ever made but its functional and will make my super messy car so much cleaner.

My Car Organizer-It even has dividers to keep things separate and easy to find.

I started with a diaper box.  Make sure find a box that will fit your car.  I wanted mine to go between the two front seats.  I checked and thought it would fit until I was all finished and then realized there was a bar right where it is suppose to slide.  I may cut a hole in mine or just leave it in the back.  I was sad but it still works.

Secure the bottom and cut off the top flaps.  Save them, you will use them later.

 Cut fabric to fit the sides of your boxes.  I did one for each size but you could wrap it like a present.

 Apply Mod Podge to the top of your box. 
Add your fabric and apply Mod Podge to the top of your fabric.  Make sure its smooth.

 Hot glue ribbon around the top edge to give it a nice clean look.

 Use your top flaps to create dividers.  I glued the two long ones together (pattern sides facing each other) to make it more sturdy.  Hot glue the edges and the bottom.  It should hold unless you have really heavy items pushing against it.

 Fill It up!

 I added a giant rosette to the front because I thought it needed a little beautifying (is that a word?)

Slip in in your car and you're ready to go on a long 10 hour trip like we often do or running errands.

P.S. I know I need to vacuum.

 Here's a glimpse at our box.  Books, coloring books, and crayons, clip boards, car pillows, dvd player and movies,  diapers, wipes, Aubrey's glasses case, my sun glasses, small notepad and pen.  I still need to add a baggie with extra ponytail holders, snacks, and empty sippy cups.  There will still be room for a few extra little toys and my crochet project. Can you think of anything I'm forgetting?