Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Summer Holiday Decor...Patriotic!

Red, White and Blue Days...
Summertime to me is made up of Red, White, and Blue Days...Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Pioneer Day.  Pioneer Day is also known as "Days of '47" to commemorate the arrival of Brigham Young and the Mormon Pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley.  The date was July 24, 1847.  Pioneer Day is filled with parades, picnics and...of course...FIREWORKS!  In my childhood it was as much a part of my heritage as the Fourth of July.  I am here today because my pioneer grandparents made the long, and often dangerous journey to this Utah...this Deseret I call home.  Deseret means "honey bee" and many of the symbols of our state incorporate beehives.  The Mormon Pioneers were known to be an industrious people.

Patriotic Theme Projects...

An arrangement I made some years back.
The firecrackers are wooden dowels.

Closeup of detail.  Simple wood shapes and postcard image.

Lady Liberty rag doll and a new garland.

Detail of Garland.
I used a striped Christmas paper and postcard graphics...plus navy rick-rack. 
The "American" bunting is a repeated graphic I found online.

A wonderfully faded tray I found for 50 cents at D.I. thrift store.
The USA magnets are game pieces in bottlecaps.

Some hallway decor...ignore the woman in the mirror!
The card holder has vintage patriotic postcards and old photos
from American Fork's parades...which are also in July!

My Patriotic House!
It will never be "Divided..."
I've made one for each holiday so far this year...next is Halloween!

Front Detail.

Back Detail...forgive the glare.
Again I used Christmas paper for the stripes.
The stars on the roof were torn in strips and modge-podged.

A Cute Mother's Day Project...

This year I decided to make little Mother's Day gifts for my daughters and daughters-in-love (I've seen this phrase around the blogosphere).  This is another batch of homemade hand soap.  This time I made Orange Almond.

Closeup of tag...little orange canning jars.
I hope they liked them...I added gift cards as well to some favorite stores.

I also found time to torment Kitty Luna with a big bow.
I hope your Mother's Day was as lovely as mine was!




9 comments:

Little Susie Home Maker said...

This is so neat! I just think all your red white and blues are great! I love the little house and the bunting, and I think the tray with the magnets are really fun. I would love the gift of hand made soap! Gee, You sure did a great job with your theme. I never knew that Honey bees were called that, either.
Blessings,
Susie

Tammy's in Love said...

Hey! I loved the Patriotic House idea before you showed the close ups and now I REALLY WANT ONE! The guys in the gables! The Paul Revere scene, clever! How did you assemble the house? A kit?

Tammy

Lynn said...

I love all of your patriotic decpr! Your holiday house is so cute!
hugs,
Lynn

Perfectly Printed said...

What great summer decorations!! You just have to love red, white and blue!
Just found your blog, I'm your newest follower!!
chris

vintage grey said...

Love all the patriotic decorations!! The Patriotic House is wonderful!! Your kitty is so cute!! When I was a girl, I used to dress my cats in doll clothes. I know they always loved it! Ha! Have a great week!! xo Heather

Chenille Cottage said...

Hi Shirley!
Oh, you have hit the nail right on the head with my very favorite color combination! I love red, white and blue and am so happy to live in the United States of America! My youngest son returned from Afghanistan just recently and he rejoiced at being home in the land that he loves! We have so very much to be thanksful for! God has blessed us so beyond what we deserve.
I love your cheerful additions to your decor and am looking forward to getting my Patriotics out and on display in the near future.
Blessings, my sweetheart friend!
Carolynn

Linda Ruthie said...

I love your patriotic house and all of your decorations.
You made more hand soap? Everyday I think, 'OK, today I'll try to make the hand soap' but I get busy with other things and procrastinate. How long do you spend making a batch of this?

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

My goodness, you are all ready for the holidays. I love the arrangement in the red pail!

Pollyanna said...

Oh My Gosh ... not sure how I missed this post ... I LOVE the George Washington Pennant Banner!! You Are So Amazing!!