Painted Flag Pillow {Tutorial}

I have seen so many cute flag pillows lately and I love this one from Pottery Barn. They have a few different kinds at the outlet nearby, but with a price tag of $39.50, I knew I could make my own. So, I did. It's not exactly the same, but it's my version and I love it! I'm very happy with the results. The total cost was less than $5.

 To make a basic pillow cover with velcro closure, click here.

 After the paint dries, stuff the pillowcase with polyfill or a pillow form and sew closed. Very simple!

I am loving this pillow! It fits perfectly in my chair and is just what I was hoping for. This was a fun, simple project. Anyone can do this!

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Flag Art {Tutorial}

I love decorating for patriotic holidays for a few reasons. 1) I love the red, white and blue color combination. 2) You can use it all summer long from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 3) I'm a patriot. I love our country and the principles it was founded on. There is still much freedom here and so many blessings to be had. I love the USA!
I made this flag art which hangs in my living room right now, but could be used anywhere in this house really. Here's how:

You can find the patriotic printables for free here. See how I made the Land that I Love art here and the I {Heart} My State art here.

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Simple July 4th BBQ

Nearly everyone is gearing up for some fun BBQ'ing for the 4th of July that is rapidly approaching. I'm in the same boat and decided that since we were having a bunch of college kids over last night for a BBQ, I'd just make a July 4th theme to go with it.

I had a great time decorating with simple, inexpensive things.

Just simple, little touches but they make a big impact and help to add just that special touch of hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome.

It doesn't have to take a ton of time or money to make it special.

Add a little praise & worship through testimonies and singing...

and a few games of Head's Up {iPhone app}...

and you've got yourself a fun time. And pictures to prove it.

More July 4th fun projects to come!

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Patriotic Decoupaged Canvas {Tutorial}

When I found this print on Pinterest, it was love at first sight. I love our country and am proud to be an American! I'm so thankful God allowed me to be born and raised in the USA. And in honor of Memorial Day and the upcoming July 4th holidays, I thought this would be fun to make and hang in my living room. In my opinion, the entire summer could be decorated with the red, white and blue and it would be very appropriate. This is my favorite and I'm sure it will be used in my house for years to come. Here's how I did it:

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Things to Do This Summer {Picnic Edition}

It's that time again! Time to make some plans for the summer to keep from hearing those two little words: I'm boooooored! So, as I have been making lists and brainstorming about all the wonderful, fun and happy things to do this summer with my kids and as a family, one theme keeps recurring: Picnics! I love a good picnic whether it's just eating supper on the back patio, going to a park, etc. The whole family enjoys it! Here are a few ideas I found that I may incorporate into our summer and thought I'd share with you.

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Use these adorable printables to invite friends out for a fun summer evening picnic! Have it at a local park, in your backyard or even indoors. Make it a picnic theme with lots of bright, summer colors - {Theme ideas: lemonade, citrus, gingham, floral}

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Pick a color theme and make lunchtime with the kids a fun, memorable time together a few days this summer! Just carry it out to a shady spot in the backyard, lay down the blanket, eat and then read some books from the library together about picnics or just some favorite books. This is sure to leave a lasting impression on the kids! Time well spent. {Theme: by color or based on their favorite book like 'The Hungry Caterpillar'.}

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Sometimes, you just have to use the trunk of the car to have a picnic! These are the things memories are made of! My sister and I and a few of our girls had a picnic in the back of her suburban once and it was fun. Just park somewhere with a view and you're all set! This would be fun for a date night! I love the use of quilts for picnic blankets!

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Sometimes you just have to use what you have, but when you find things like these on sale, get them and save them for picnics! Colorful paper bags, paper trays, chinese take-out boxes (these come in lots of sizes and colors at World Market), travel cups with straws (Dollar Tree), ribbon, baker's twine, cute tablecloths, etc. It's those little touches that really make people feel special and it looks like you've put a lot of thought and time into it.

And let's not forget about yummy, picnic food & drinks!!

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There are so many ways to have a picnic! Find some fun ones you'd like to do and plan them! I know I'm planning to do several this summer with the family and I'm really looking forward to it! This weekend would be GREAT! Memorial Day is a great day to have a picnic, so plan one!

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