Independence Day DIY Round Up

Independence Day is just under a week away, but there's still time to enjoy a little DIY for the occasion.  We've rounded up a few great ideas bloggers have shared over the last few weeks. There are so many wonderful things people are doing!

Vintage Style Decor

I really like July 4th decor that feels old - more subtle colonial colors that hark back to he original Independence Day. These are a few projects that I really love.

1. DIY Planked American Flag ~ Maison de Pax
I adore this project!  Faded Old Glory makes for the perfect focal point in this attic bedroom.

2. Patriotic Vintage Book Page Wreath ~ Yellow Bliss Road
Old book pages, food coloring and some ribbon come together in this shabby chic wreath.

3. Patriotic Stitching for Summertime ~ Lovely Messes
I am such a sucker for needlework, and this sweet little piece makes a lovely tuck-in for an Independence Day vignette.

4.  DIY Patriotic Banner ~ Blooming Homestead
Red, white and blue fabric scraps make this no-sew banner a unique piece of rustic charm.

5. Summertime Wreath ~ Vintage Zest
A few items from the craft store and some scrapbook paper makes a cherry wreath you can hang all summer.

Outdoor Ideas

A few ideas for celebrating Independence Day outdoors - decor, party decorations, and a reminder about flag etiquette.

1. 4th of July Patriotic Burlap Wreath ~ A Mom's Take
 The perfect wreath for the front door - clear directions explain how  to use a wire wreath frame and lengths of burlap to pull this together in time for the big day.

2. 4th of July Tin Can Windsock ~ Mama To 5 Blessings
A project the kids can do - imagine how fun a few of these jaunty windsocks would be, hanging from the porch or trees.

3.  Patriotic Ribbon, Lace, and Scrap Flag ~ Craftiments
I love this!  Lengths of scrap material, denim and buttons make up a flag banner that will sway in the breeze.  I can't wait to give this a try.

4. U.S. Flag Primer ~ Oh, Mrs. Tucker!
If you decide to fly the flag for the occasion (or keep it up year 'round), it's a good idea to refresh the guidelines for displaying it appropriately.

5. Tin Can Luminaries ~ Crafts For All Seasons
A cute and practical way to repurpose tin cans, these luminaries would add cute pools of candlelight that won't interfere with watching the fireworks.

Printables

As time gets short for making more complicated projects, a few printables can help add just the right touch of red, white and blue.

1. Star Spangled Banner ~ Tatertots and Jello
Lines from The National Anthem show off the red, white and blue.  The printable comes in three different sizes, and the post includes instructions for creating an entire Independence Day vignette.


2. Let Freedom Ring ~ My Fabuless Life
A simple and colorful printable that would look great in a frame.  Comes in either aqua and red, or navy and read.

3. America the Beautiful ~ Landee See, Landee Do
A simple colonial style motif, printed and put into a frame, can add a fast and subtle bit of Americana to your everyday decor.

4. Make Your Own United States Flag ~ Our Adventure Story
A coloring sheet that includes flag information and instructions for turning it into a waveable flag - have the kids make some up to take to a local parade. Long may it wave!

5. Printable 4th of July Banner ~ Salt and Pepper Moms 
Print and cut out these banner pieces and string them together to say "Land of the Free".  Sweet touch!

What to Wear

Once you've got your home decorated, what about yourself?  Here's some cute ideas for decking out for your barbecue or fireworks watching party.

1. No Sew Simple Fabric Bracelet ~ Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
Bandanna wrapped tube bracelets create cute and easy accessories for the 4th of July.

2. DIY Patriotic Firework Shirt ~ A Mother's Shadow
Markers and a plain T-shirt come together to create a fireworks.  This would be a fun project for kids!

3. DIY Paint Spattered Patriotic Tote Bag ~ Titi-Crafty
Spatter painting over stencils is a wonderful technique used here to create a fashionable tote bag to carry treats and other necessities.

4. DIY Hair Chalking ~ Girl Loves Glam
Just for fun, try some temporary red, white and blue hair coloring.  These instructions show you how to use chalk pastels to give your hair some patriotic flair.

5. Patriotic Flip Flops ~ A Mother's Shadow
Clear instructions show how to use beading to decorate a plain pair of flip-flops.

6. Firecracker Nails ~ Thirty One: 10
Not all the fireworks will be up in  the sky - try this method to create some sizzle on your nails as well. Messy, but too cute!

Food Ideas

Come the big day, a few special menu ideas, mixed in with your favorite summer fare, will make for a memorable Independence Day.  Here are just a few ideas that caught our eye:

1. Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Bites ~ Reviews, Chews & How-Tos
Yes, this one is ours!  Add these bratwurst bites to the menu along with the more typical hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and ribs - low carb and bursting with flavor, they'll be gone before you know it. (so hide a few for yourself)

2. Chili Lime Corn on the Cob ~ Simply... Suzanne's At Home
I grew up in Nebraska and for me corn on the cob is as All-American a part of the 4th of July as, well, Apple Pie.  This take on it brings in some spice and citrus, making it a sophisticated and attractive addition to the Independence Day table.  I love the way the husks are arranged to be attractive and accessible.

3. Red, White & Blue Watermelon Salad with Watermelon Vinaigrette ~ FIVE Heart HOME 
This is as beautiful as it is delicious!  Greens, blueberries, almonds and feta and watermelon star cutouts! The remaining watermelon is used to make a vinaigrette.  I can't wait to try this one.

4. Salted Watermelon Slushies ~ Cherished Bliss
Pureed watermelon makes or a refreshing (and healthy!) cold slushie drink.  Perfect for the holiday and throughout summer.

5. Easy Red, White & Blue Ice Box Cake ~ Hello Little Home
Graham crackers, layered with sweetened cream cheese, strawberries and blueberries, and chilled until ready to serve - are you drooling yet? I am!

6. No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits ~ Spend with Pennies
One of my oldest 'guilty pleasures' is a no-bake cheesecake, the one that was in every ad for cream cheese for a couple generations - this is a version without the crust.  Delicious whipped cream cheese with lemon layered with cherry pie filling and blueberry pie filling.  Nope, not one bit healthy - just delectable!  The only downside I can see is that if you eat this, you may miss the fireworks, what with your eyes rolling back into your head in sheer bliss, and all.

I hope you enjoyed this round up.  Have a Happy Independence Day if you celebrate it, and enjoy your summer!

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