It’s time to wish America a happy birthday this weekend. Break out the red white and blue, fire up the BBQ and get ready to have fun with family and friends. You don’t have to spend a fortune to show your patriotic spirit. In fact, we found some clever ideas to brighten up your fourth with some items you already have laying around the house. These easy 4th of July DIY decorations are so simple that even the kids can make em without a big fuss. So roll your sleeves up, put the kids in artist smocks and get ready to get your patriotic flare on!
4th of July Mason Jar Candles:
Fill two Ziploc bags about halfway full, with rice. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bag of rice. Next add a few drops of blue food coloring to the other bag of rice. Be sure both bags are completely sealed shut. Shake up the bags until the coloring is fully blended into the rice, adding more dye if desired. Allow for time for the rice to be dry to the touch. Next, layer the red rice at the bottom of a glass mason jar, followed by a layer of plain white rice. Finally layer the blue rice on top of the white. Add a votive candle to the center of each mason jar and place around the dinner table or as accents around the home.
Inspiration and photo from Made From Pinterest: This website is created by three sisters who test out ideas they found on Pinterest. It’s a great source for inspiration and how to’s!
American Flag Pallet Board:
If you can’t find a pallet board curbside, about to be thrown out by a neighbor or nearby store, you can buy one from any local hardware store. Tip: Check out a local lumber yard and ask if you have one for $15-$20. They will most likely give them away if they’re about to be recycled. Use a pencil and measuring tape to draw out where the square of stars will go. Paint each pallet, white and red, leaving room for the blue square on the (facing the pallet) upper left side. Cut out star shapes on some scrap cardboard or use stencils if you have them. For the creatively bold, feel free to draw the stars, freehand. Use a thick white paint to paint the white stars over the blue paint. For added glimmer, paint glue over the star stencils, instead of white paint and immediately sprinkle silver glitter over the glue. Make sure the pallet is laying flat and not upright for this step for flawless results and to avoid dripping paint.
Inspiration and photo from Saving By Design, a great source for creative ideas, DIY, recipes and family fun with the budget savvy in mind.
4th of July Easy Flower Arrangement:
Hydrangeas are in full season here on long island and the colors are magnificent. For an easy floral arrangement, simply arrange two white hydrangeas, two blue hydrangeas and red accent flowers. Red carnations, spray roses or even red Gerber daisies will look beautiful next to the hydrangeas. Place the flowers in a vase, mason jar or tin watering can for a more rustic look. Add some patriotic ribbons to the vase or color the water red or blue for an inexpensive added touch!
Idea and Photo found on Flickr.com by Stiletto Lawyer
4th of July Table Runner:
This is an easy and inexpensive way to decorate indoor or outdoors with a few items you have around the home. Cut a runner sized piece of burlap and lay it out flat. Next either cut a few sponges into stars of various sizes or use a store bought stamp. Tip, if you have some foam lying around instead of a sponge, use the foam to avoid breaks or bubbles in the print. Next lay out three plastic or styrofoam plates and red, white and blue paint on each plate. Dip the stars into the latex paint, removing any excess paint by gently sliding the star against the edge of the plate. Push the star down onto the burlap wherever desired and repeat using various colors.
Inspiration and photo from The Shabby Creek Cottage: