Friday, May 10, 2013

American Summer Circus!

Cirq du Summer!
May is moving faster than a bottle-rocket flies!  I can't believe it's almost Memorial Day.  I decorate for summer just after Mother's Day.  I believe an American Summer should be Red, White, and Blue...so my decor will be patriotic until August.  I've been playing around with the idea of a summer circus theme, but wanted to keep it on the patriotic side.  So I added some flags...some stars and stripes...and with the help of some items from a few of my favorite bloggers, I think it may be coming together.  To get in the crafing mood, I've been listening to an audiobook recommended by Tammy from Tammy's in Love called, "The Circus Fire."  Lol!  If that doesn't get you in a tragic mood...I don't know what will.  I should have saved it for my Halloween "Night Circus."


The circus will be performing daily in my office this summer!
The backdrop was made from a "science project" display folder.
I can get three backdrops from one 36" by 48" folder.
They come in easy 12" increments so that full sheets of
scrapbook paper will fit nicely.
I make them for different holidays as photo backgrounds.

Tammy's clown has new balloons!
Elizabeth's majorettes will lead the parade.

 
Carousel Circus Box.
Cupcake Clowns aren't scary...or are they?

Smaller box becomes a pedestal for Elizabeth's "Barker Boy."

I was so excited to find an elephant planter at the thrift store Wednesday.
She's become a patriotic pin cushion.

Circus shadow box is Meri of Imagimeri's creation.
Popcorn "ticket booth." 

After the big show Elizabeth's "Big Bang Theory" will conduct
the fireworks display.
 
The Summer Circus is still a work in progress that will probably be added to in other areas of the house.  I'm working on a circus theme for the front door with patriotic accents.  Yesterday I was hit with a brainstorm of hurricane proportions...my head is still spinning.  I only hope I can sort the brilliant ideas from the ludicrous...lol!
 

Have a perfectly lovely day!
 

16 comments:

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

How cute!! Love your patriotic circus theme!! I'll keep an eye out for anything circusy that you could maybe use! :) Love the elephant you turned into a pincushion too! :) Happy Friday! xo Holly

Unknown said...

Gorgeous!! You are always an inspiration!!
Dorothy

Unknown said...

I love it, Shirley! That elephant is too, too cute--love how you transformed him!

The Faerie Factory said...

Skipping over to say hi after seeing you mentioned over at Damita's Pretty Wrap. Love the circus ... Sarah x

ImagiMeri said...

Shirley, you are a wonder.....everything looks perfect! Can't wait to see your hurricane brainstorm!

Hugs,
Meri

Unknown said...

Shirley!!!! This is all too cute, you got lucky with Meri's shadow box that I didn't see it first! lol :):)

This is so adorable....I LOVE every bit of it....I am waiting for the the vet to call, Maya is back in surgery....I am going to look at these photos again, as they make my heart happy!

Unknown said...

Shirley,
I for got to say....I didn't even see Elizabeth's circus items, but I could tell they were hers....where did you get that wonderful clown planter????

You know you started a baby planter buy-a-thon with your cute Easter one!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness - I am so glad I I stopped by to see you - because this is just amazing! I just love, love, love, everything. Oh....the bell just rang - gotta run! The clowns are lining up to come in! LOL!

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

Shirley this is fantastic! So fun and cheerful! I bet you gasped when you found that little elephant planter! lol I love when things like that happen.
Thanks for taking us to the circus!
Erica :)

DearHelenHartman said...

That circus is super cute! What a clever idea to turn a planter into a pin cushion! It really does put me in the mood for summer on this rainy May day.

vintage grey said...

Oh, I love it all Shirley!! Such a sweet circus display!! So fun! Have a wonderful Mother's Day! xo Heather

vivian said...

such fun doings in your world! I love the circus theme. I have a little circus that goes on in a couple spots in my house. Maybe this weekend I will remember to take a couple pics to show you.
have a great weekend!
xoxo

Tammy's in Love said...

Of course you would think up a backdrop! The mix of crafters goodies all blend perfectly. I love the clown with his new summer colors! Putting together a little package to send off to you this week. More fun for my fun friend!

Tammy

Pollyanna said...

Amazing as always!! I wouldn't have thought of using the science folder for backgrounds, brilliant once more!! Thanks!

Laura said...

WOW! That is one cool patriotic circus! I love how you do the backdrop ...and the mix of characters, they are amazing!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Shirley, I usually don't like clowns, but your circus creations are fabulous! A couple years ago my sister gave me some old tin toys. I have a few that are circus themed. One top I have two of. I'm going to see if it's Circus themed. If so, I think you need it. I'll let you know. May has flown by. I usually have pulled my poppy décor out by now and then go Patriotic in June and July. This year I still have Spring up. Think I'll get them out next week. A bit behind this year.
hugs,
Jann