Fantastic 4th of July Garland Ideas

1. Crepe Paper Garland

This is seriously easy to make and it is super affordable. Find out how to add fireworks of your own to your 4th of July party with this tutorial from Yesterday On Tuesday.

2. Denim Pennants

You don’t get more American than denim and this garland has it in spades. Duct Tape and Denim kind of specializes in using blue jeans and this tutorial doesn’t disappoint.

3. Patriotic Pairings

What is better than one fabulous garland tutorial? How about three easy peasy 4th of July decorations all in one?! Over at Adventures in Making they break down each one so that you can have the most patriotic party out there.

4. Duct Tape Banner

Duct Tape is well known as a go to product for fixing just about everything, but how about fixing up a pretty garland. Over at Chic California they show you how to make a simple banner with just twine and duct tape.

5. Tissue Paper Tassels

This patriotic garland is so fun I can’t even handle it! Who knew that tissue paper could look so good and so festive? Over at Landeelu they give you a breakdown of how to make this amazing garland.

6. Easy Fabric Strip Bunting

Bunting can sometimes be a hassle and if you don’t know how to sew then it can be hard to make on your own. This DIY from Second Chances has a clever way to make a faux bunting that requires no sewing at all.

7. 3D Paper Star

All this garland requires is the ability to fold a star a few times to make it into a 3D star. How simple is that?! Just head on over to Get Creative Juice to get the whole tutorial and start folding!

8. Paper Straw Garland

Paper straws have become super popular over the last few years and can be found just about anywhere. The Crazy Craft Lady shows you how to make a cute garland out of paper straws that looks like tiny little firecrackers.

9. Tulle Pom Poms

I love these cute little pom poms from Hey Let’s Make Stuff. And to top it off they are easy as pie to make and string together.

10. Patriotic Yarn Lights

These yarn balls made from balloons and glue are not an entirely new concept, but over at eHow they give it a red, white, and blue spin that would look great strung across any mantle.

11. Bandana Bunting

Bandanas are pretty much an all American staple when it comes to the 4th Of July. This bunting garland from Premeditated Leftovers is even more special because if you can tie a knot you can make it!

12. Doily Banner

Doilies always seem a bit dated and cheap but over at Creative Itch they couldn’t look any better! With just a little bit of spraypaint and some string a fabulous creation is born!

13. Scrap Fabric Garland

This is another simple garland that can be made from just about any red, white, and blue scraps you have laying around. Over at Catch My Party they give a great detailed tutorial on how to make this rustic garland.

14. Rocket Garland

This colorful line of rockets is made from toilet paper tubes if you can believe it! This project from Be Different Act Normal would also be a great craft for the kiddos.

15. Crochet Circle Garland

Although this project is meant as a winter holiday project there is no reason that it couldn’t be switched to some red, white, and blue circles. If you can do some basic crochet stitches, Make and Take has a great pattern for you to try out.

16. Denim and Burlap Lights

The best part about this DIY from Create Craft Love is that you have an excuse to use Christmas lights throughout the year. Even if you don’t have burlap, scrap fabric would look just as awesome in this simple tutorial.

17. Tablecloth Tassels

Over at The Scrap Shop Blog they have a great way to make a patriotic backdrop for only 4 dollars! Using just a few supplies from the dollar section you can make a garland that is festive and weather resistant.

18. Baking Cup Bunting

Over at Paint the Gown Red is an idea so simple you will be wondering how you didn’t think of it yourself! Check out how they take a few ordinary household objects and turn them into a fun 4th of July garland.

19. Firework Garland

These tissue paper pom poms along side some simple star strands are perfect for any party or even just to dress up a fireplace for the 4th of July. Check out how they did it at Tell Love and Party.

20. Printable Flag Banner : Paging Super Mom

Stylish Ways to Decorate Your Home with Sticks

I love taking things that normally wouldn’t be used for decorating and turning them into something special. What I love even more is a project that is affordable and easy to accomplish. What better way to do both then to use sticks and branches to give your house that homey feel.  And since sticks are pretty much free, I would say it’s a win for everyone! Here are a few easy but classy ideas for incorporating sticks into your home decor.

1. Fallen Branch Coat Rack

This coat rack from Garden Therapy is both cute and easy to make. With a touch of paint these fallen branches are a subtle way to bring nature indoors.

2. Twig Letters

Adding alphabet letters to any home brings a certain personal touch to the decor. Over at the Happy Housie they have come up with a brilliant and rustic take alphabet letters on a budget.

3. Twig Vase

If you have a glass jar and some twigs hanging around then this tutorial from Iowa Girl Eats is for you. These could easily be made quickly for affordable but not cheap looking rustic wedding centerpieces.

4. Driftwood Lamp

Beach themed rooms are crazy popular, and for good reason. The calm colors and clean finishes always inspire a feeling of zen. That is why I love this fantastic lamp from Timneve Blog made with the help of a Kmart lamp.

5. Manzanita Branch

This tutorial from Lia Griffith involves only paint and a branch, it coudln’t be easier. Adding such a simple decoration also adds an amazing focal point for any mantle or entry table.

6. Rustic Chandelier

This chandelier is so cool that I’m wishing I had a home that would accommodate it. Crafty Butt has a great tutorial on how to make this fantastic rustic lighting feature.

7. Branch Artwork

I love how this heart branch artwork turned out. The ombre effect that they created at eHow is too cute not to make.

8. Tree Branch Light Ball

I absolutely love this ball of light made from sticks and a balloon. Over at Useful DIY they give an in depth tutorial on how to make this fabulous lamp.

9. Shadow Chandelier

How cool would this be to have in your bedroom? At first glance it looks like a crazy difficult project to complete, but at DIY Tag they have a nifty video to help you along.

10. Sunburst Mirror

This is by far my favorite take on the sunburst mirror trend. A La Mode used different sized driftwood sticks and added multiple layers for texture on this amazing accent mirror.

11. Jewelry Holder : For the Makers

12. Twig Candle Holder : Sabrina Sue

13. Bird Feeders : Johanna Rundel

14. Twig Wreath : Northstory

15. Branch Vase : Mother Earth Living

DIY Realistic Felt Flowers

Since June is a pretty big month for weddings I got to thinking about alternatives for fresh flowers.  From personal experience, flowers can be a pretty huge part of the wedding budget, which is a little frustrating since they really only last for that one day.  I have tried paper flowers with pretty fantastic results, but paper flowers can be fragile on occasion so for this post I searched and searched to find the best felt flowers out there. I have a pretty big love/hate relationship with felt.  I love that it is fairly cheap and it is relatively easy to work with, but I hate how projects using craft felt sometimes feel cheesy or too crafty.  These lovely crafters have come up with some pretty amazing faux felt flowers that you will have to try for yourself!

1. Anemone

Starting off is one of my favorite flowers. It reminds me of a poppy but with softer colors and Something Turquoise does a fantastic job of representing this flower in felt.

2. Daffodil

This cheerful flower is super easy to make, and to make things even better, While She Naps has even included a free printable pattern to help get your bouquet started!

3. Hydrangea

Love the look of flowers in your hair but hate the allergens that come with fresh flowers? Look no further than this adorable hydrangea hair clip from Pammy Dawn Designs! The tiny little flowers take a little more time to make, but the end result is worth it!

4. Dahlia

This flower definitely has a lot of tiny pieces to put together but Dahlias are so pretty and full of texture. Over at Not Martha she gives you an easy breakdown on how to put together this beautiful flower.

5. Succulents

Succulents are definitely having a moment right there and there are a ton of tutorials out there on how to make them. Over at Benzie Design they have a cute tutorial of how to make a pretty birch stump centerpiece.

6. Daisy

Daisies are some of the most cheerful flowers out there, so why not make some of your own that last forever. The How Joyful blog has figured out a way to make these cute flowers using very few materials.

7. Roses

Roses are the most popular around and can be used for just about every occasion. While Lia Griffith makes several types of felt flowers, her roses are by far my favorite take on the felt rose by far.

8. Rannunculus

I have to give out more praise to Something Turquoise. They really have mastered the art of making felt flowers over there. This Rannunculus is definitely worth a try, and while you are there check out the rest of their felt flowers and the beautiful bouquet they made with them.

9. Dandelions

I know, I know, technically a dandelion is a weed, but I still think they are super fun. Echos of a Dream loves dandelions and has created a very easy felt version for you to try out for yourself.

10. Tulips

Tulips always remind me of spring, and more specifically Easter. Unfortunately they never really seem to stay in bloom for very long. While She Naps has another great flower tutorial for tulips. A little heads up, while these are very easy to make, they do still require a little sewing.

15 D.I.Y Things to Wear This Forth of July

Forth of July is easily one of the few holidays that I actually enjoy dressing up for. Ugly Christmas sweaters never excite me and I adorn myself with a smidgeon of green just to avoid the inevitable pinches on St. Patrick’s Day. But I have zero issue rockin’ the red, white, and blue. Below are a few awesome ideas for your own made in America outfits.

1. Spray Paint Tank

This tank top from Small Detail Crafts couldn’t be easier! No patterns are needed and there are very few materials involved. It would be easy to make it your own with your own design.

2. Eraser Stamped Shirt

Over at Cutesy Crafts they love making an eraser stamped shirt for every holiday. This Forth of July themed one is absolutely adorable and super easy. It would even make a great project for kiddos.

3. Patriotic Canvas Shoes

These super cute mommy and me shoes could easily be made into matching father and sons shoes as well. Head on over to Pretty Providence to see just how simple they are to make.

4. Patriotic T-Shirt Headband

If you have a few red, white, and blue old t-shirts hanging around then this simple headband from Bless This Mess is perfect for you!

5. Simple Sewn American Flag

This cute shirt for kiddos comes with instruction for both boys and girls. If you have a few buttons and the ability to sew a straight line then check out this tutorial from Make It & Love It.

6. Bandana Flag T-Shirt

Sugar Bee Crafts has a cute take on the patriotic T-shirt by combining two 4th of July staples: Bandanas and American Flags.

7. Bleach Stamped Tank

This cute tank is achieved with a few household staples and a steady hand. Brit + Co even added a super cute striped pocket to finish it off.

8. American Flag Shorts

These cute shorts from Tealou & Sweetpea are not only adorable, they are inexpensive to make too!

8. Ombre Vans

Personalized Vans are always a fun project and this super simple blue ombre effect from the Swell Blog are made even cuter with the red shoelaces as an accent.

9. Patriotic Flip Flops

These flip flops are too cute not make! Check out this awesome step by step tutorial at Two Sisters Crafting.

10. Bandana Skirt

This simple bandana skirt is prefect your little cutie. This adorable skirt is simple to sew and can be found over at DIY CANDY.

11. Simple Bandana Headband

Bandanas definitely rule the 4th of July. This easy headband from Mine For the Making would be cute on any occasion, not just a red, white, and blue affair!

12. Pinwheel Hair Bows

What’s not to love about these stylish hair clips? Cutesy Crafts is at it again with this easy and affordable patriotic project.

13. Patriotic Bracelet

This clever little bracelet is made from paper straws and beads and would be a perfect craft for all ages. Check out how to make this fun project over at Buggy and Buddy.

14. Swag Flag Necklace : The House That Lars Built

15. Heart Tee : Creating Laura

16. Heart Flip Flops : Everyday Dishes

17. Flower Hair Clips : Busy Making Memories