The Art of Independence Day

THE WINNER OF THE PICK YOUR PLUM CRAFTING SUPPLY KIT IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST.

I know that the 4th is fast approaching. And decorating is probably off your radar. But it’s still on mine. Partly because I’m slow. And partly because our state celebrates the red, white & blue all month. We have a state wide holiday on the 24th as well, to celebrate our statehood. Everyone leaves their decor up all month. So technically, I’m not THAT late. (right?)

Anyway, I actually started this little project a couple weeks ago, and had a few snags. (that I will TOTALLY share with you…..so you don’t have the same snags.  You’re welcome.)

But it’s finally all done, and ready to grace my home with patriotic pride.

I started with some UBER clearance metal art that I picked up at a local home decor store. (Tai Pan) These were in the “Clearance Tent” for……..drumroll please…….$0.89 each!!! NOT KIDDING!!

Can you believe that?

It’s totally worth it to take a quick gander at clearance isles, and trying to look past something you might not use “as is.” I just knew the frames had some fun texture, and that I’d find something to do with them.

The best friend of semi-ugly stuff….with great lines?

SPRAY PAINT….OF COURSE!

I spray painted these first with a primer.
(and yes….before you can even ask…..that IS necessary.
You MIGHT be able to get away without primer sometimes. But when you can’t, it’s sad to have to start over. You’ll never regret using it.)

My other tip for spray painting on metal?

• If it’s hot outside, DON’T spray paint hot metal. Or else you’re gonna be heading out for some sand paper. Just sayin’. (read: snag #1 in this project that was supposed to be SUPER quick!)

After the spray painting was all done, I found some really simple graphics to cut out of my vinyl.  I love the basic flag shape, and the cutout of the country.

• here’s where snag #2 comes in: metal and regular vinyl DON’T like each other very much.  I ended up ordering some OUTDOOR VINYL from Expressions Vinyl and it was MUCH better.

I also decided to do some text.  (what’s new…right?  I LOVE QUOTES AND TEXT!!)  How about a twist on the “Established” sign that you see around sometimes?

When looking at the text I made the decision to use the negative space vinyl instead of just the letters.  It was a fun look, and matched the bold design of the other two better than just the letters.  I liked the big blocks of color.

• Just be aware that “weeding” vinyl with tiny text can sometimes become extremely time consuming.  And very detailed.
• And also that peeling vinyl and spray painted metal don’t always like each other.  I had to do a tiny bit of touch up.

Aren’t they just so patriotic all lined up together? I love them!

And total (with a bottle of spray paint….which I actually already had) they cost about $6.  NICE!

So make sure you’re always on the lookout for things that you can pick up for a bargain, and transform into decor.  You’ll be SO HAPPY with the results. (I LOVE America!)

And NOW without further adieu……..

THE WINNER OF THE PICK YOUR PLUM CRAFTING BASKET IS……

AMANDA

Congratulations, Amanda! I will send your info over to the Pick Your Plum girls.  And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up to get the PICK YOUR PLUM daily e-mail.  So you can be sure to get the daily deal “Before Your Neighbor Does.”