I’ve mentioned how I love the 4th. I love the food. I love the parties. I love the heat. And I love that no presents are involved. Having to plan gifts sometimes ruins all the fun!
I’ve been a US History junkie for as long as I can remember.
One of my favorite times to learn about is during and around the Civil War. That obsession started when I saw Gone With the Wind for the first time and was bound and determined to get a dress with a skirt that big.
(still working on that one. I came close, in a play once….but the dress wasn’t pretty enough)
I am fascinated by Abraham Lincoln and all the things he went through as our President. And what an important role he had in making sure that we still celebrate July 4th today.
I remember every second of reading “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin a few years ago. A fantastic read about Mr. Lincoln and his presidency. I sobbed when they got to the ending. Even though, obviously I knew what was going to happen.
I just had to incorporate my admiration for him into our decor this year.
I thought up this idea in the middle of the night one night. (Yay insomnia journal!) And I was SURE that I could whip it up in no time. However, it ended up being a lot more detailed than I’d anticipated and was a craft FAIL at least 3 times. I don’t know whether the universe didn’t want me to have it.
Or I’m an idiot.
Probably the 2nd thing.
I started with this piece of metal art that I found on clearance at the Hob Lob. I think I paid around $8 for it. I hope I won’t be struck down for messing with a piece that talks about God. But, hopefully he understands.
- I gave it a GOOD shot of primer.
- And then several thin coats of glossy red spray paint. I used Rustoleum’s 2x spray paint for the first time, and REALLY liked it!
- Again, if it’s hot outside….remember that spray paint and HOT metal don’t get along. I DID have to sand it down after realizing that little fact. But the second coat went on fine.
- Then I went about taking my favorite address from Mr. Lincoln….THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS and making it into text that would fit on my art piece.
Here’s where the process got hairy. So……..
Text and vinyl. They’re the best, right?
Tiny text and vinyl….not so much. I spent at least 4 hours weeding tiny pieces of vinyl. Tiny triangles out of the A’s and tiny ovals out of the P’s. It was PAINSTAKING! And after I’d done a good portion, I went to put it on my art.
NO DICE! It wouldn’t stick! WHAAAHH!!!!!???
(I might have said a swear. Sorry Mr. Lincoln.)
But the vision in my head was so clear, and I KNEW it could be so cool.
So I decided to deep breathe and order some OUTDOOR VINYL from Expressions Vinyl. I had heard great things about it and I thought it was worth one more try. (this is not a commercial for them….but they did save my creative life….just sayin’)
Once I got the vinyl I started in again…
- It took over an hour for Scarlett {my Silhouette machine} to cut this sucker out.
- I weeded for a whole day.
- My neck hurts.
- It was WORTH IT!
I love the justified text. (obviously….it’s kind of my thing) And I love the few words in the scroll-ee font. (JF Ferrule for anyone who’s wondering. You can get it free.)
The whole entire Gettysburg address. In gleaming white vinyl. On my shiny red metal frame.
The speech gives me chills everytime!
That we here highly resolve, that these dead shall not have died in vain. That this nation shall have a new birth of freedom.
What a beautiful thing to think about as we celebrate the freedom and foundation of this nation!
I love every single word of this speech. Every word. It is probably one of the shortest speeches ever given. Sometimes words don’t need to be many, just powerful.
I hope you and your families have a very safe and fantastic holiday. And that you take a minute to remember the people who made these celebrations possible.
From the Founding Fathers
to the Presidents
to the Servicemen and Women
to the immigrants
to the Native Americans
to the Women who fought for equal rights
to the Civil rights activists
to your Great-Grandparents
to your Grandparents
to your Parents
and now to you.
May we all continue to fight for this country. That it may EVER BE FREE!
*edit: July 2012–there is a free printable download of this speech now available on this Gettysburg Address Part 2 post.*
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This is so beautiful. I got a little misty reading your post! I love that speach too, and you’ve given it even more magic than it already had. Love it.
Have a fantastic holiday, yourself!
Thank you Sarah! What a kind compliment. Happy 4th to you!
Ok, this may be my favorite project that you have done. I can not believe that you did the whole speech! That is some creative dedication right there. It is an amazing speech. And it looks amazing as decor. Way to go!
Thanks Mam. You can come and see it for a small fee.
{tee hee}
Love, Love, Love it!!
Thanks Kristyn!
Oh my gosh, Lara! What a beautiful piece. I am trying not to cry right now. That speech is amazing and has such a strong message to all of us in the United States. The 4th is my favorite holiday and it’s rapidly becoming my kids favorite too. What a wonderful country we live in.
Isn’t it the best? We do live in a great country. What’s better than a country that celebrates with watermelon and fireworks? Nothing, I tell you! Happy 4th Leanne!
Um, wow! That is impressive Lara. I’m pretty positive I would never have the patience for something like that. I’ll have to remember to hire you when I need some vinylizing like that done. You take payment in the form of Diet Coke and Cafe Rio, right?
I would do a LOT of things for that kind of payment. But probably not this again. I mean I LOVE it….but Man!
Have a great 4th. (and that doesn’t mean that I’m opposed to a trip to the Rio again……we haven’t done that for a while!)
I love your creation Lara! It is beautiful!!! Want to make one for me?
xoxo
Ummmm….I lOVE you….like, a TON. But, no.
Holy cow!! That is amazing, and so well worth it I am sure. Just scrolling through this post gave me chills. Happy Fourth to you!
Thank you so much. Hope you have a GREAT holiday!
Wow. Love this and your passion for it. You are amazing.
Thanks Amy. Hope you have a great holiday and trip! See you next week.
Wow! That is awesome! I did a three line Mark Twain quote with vinyl and I though I was going to die picking out all the small in between pieces…I don’t know how you had the patience to finish this one!
That’s funny. It is super tedious. I’m kind of a sucker for tedious stuff. And once I start I won’t let it get the best of me.
So IMPRESSIVE Girl! Awesome speech & sure glad you took the time to do…and to share with us!
Thank you, Sharon! Have a great holiday!
Lara, this is AWESOME! It turned out great, as your projects always do! Well done my friend, well done!
Thank you, Mam. That is so very nice of you!
Wow – this is AMAZING! And you weren’t kidding about “weeding” all day! I’m so impressed you had the patience to do it….TWICE! Looks great!
It was worth it. Maybe not at 1AM. But today, it totally seems worth it.
Oh my gosh, Lara…I’m speechless (no pun intended…;)) – this is absolutely amazing. This speech gives me chills, too…I adore the way you have memorialized it forever in this way…it’s absolutely beautiful…wonderful wonderful job…Happy 4th of July!
Thank you Maggie! I love being able to read it on my wall. It might stay longer than the 4th.
I love it! You did a great job!! Your hard work definitely paid off!!
Happy 4th of July!!
Tiffani
Thank you Tiffani! I hope your holiday is outstanding as well!
Ok Lara – I bow to your awesomeness!!! I am soooo in love with this! Hubby would love it too – in fact I’m pretty sure it would be a year round decoration here.
You did an amazing job!!!
Thank you so much Bev! No bowing needed. {tee hee…that made me laugh} Funny, my husband genuinely likes this one. He was super nice about it. It’s a guy friendly project. Have a great holiday. (and thanks again for the shout outs!)
This is amazing! I am going to have to recreate this for my step-mom who is a HUGE fan of Lincoln. She will love it. Happy 4th!
I bet she would LOVE IT! Let me know if you do. I’d love to see!
Gorgeous!
I love love love this!!!! Thank you for sharing and caring about our country and sharing the love of the president.
So I am wondering…… now that you did all that work, are you able to share your file that you made for your cutter so that others may replicate your beautiful idea without spending the hours typing it in????? Just a (PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!) idea ?!?!
I’m even willing to pay for the file, as this would be great for next year.
Do we know if she ever made the file available? This is one of my ALL-TIME favorite projects I have seen. It’s simply gorgeous.
Gorgeous. Just like you. Just don’t stick it in the dirt…
xoxo
Right? Then it would just be completely awful!
It turned out so great! Worth every minute with tweezers.
I love it!
Thanks! That’s how I feel about my eyebrows too.
WOW! LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!!
Just plain awesome!
ok so I love this and my hubby would love it even more! how about cutting another one… you don’t have to weed anything just cut it for me, I will pay let me know if its an option I would love to make something similar
thanks
This is amazing!!! You wouldn’t want to share your template would ya??
)
This is practically perfect. I love, love, LOVE it. Now I can’t decide if I like this or your Elf Christmas frame better! Have a Happy 4th Weekend, girl! (and I love that this holiday does not involve gifts, either!)
Awwww….thanks Madigan. I like both of those things. Not ’cause I made them…they’re just 2 of my favorite things. Have a happy holiday weekend at your house!
Absolutely love this! I love the sentiment of the Gettysburg Address as well as the colors you used! Thank you so much for sharing.
Holy crap, girl, I LOVE IT. It turned out SO awesome!!
I so hear ya on the small vinyl sitch-eeation. It’s making my eye twitch just thinking about it.
p.s., I too love American History. Seen the Civil War documentary by Ken Burns? soooo good.
Ummmm…..AWESOME! It was soooo good. I love a good documentary. Where’s my “nerd” sign?
This is beautiful!!! What a great idea!
OH MY GOODNESS!!
I teach American History and Lincoln is the coolest of cool!
Seriously, what would it take to make me one???
OK this is the most amazing project ever. EVER. I cannot believe you did the WHOLE address! You rock. It is something I think I’d keep up all the time. It’s so wonderful!
Flippin’ amazing! Not sure what’s more awesome…the fact that you’re so patriotic or that you spent the entire day picking at tiny pieces of vinyl! Great job!
Aww….thanks. The vinyl picking kind of just makes me bonkers, really.
Wow wow wow wow wow. I share your feelings about Lincoln and I think this is beautiful and powerful. Is there any way you’d share the file? It’s incredible!
Wow. It was worth every painful detail. Gorgeous. I am just in LOVE with it. In love. You make me want to go read more on Abraham Lincoln. Beautiful. Truly.
Do it! You won’t be disappointed! I’ve been fascinated with every last detail!
Wow. That is absolutely gorgeous! Really—amazing!
Okay that is FABULOUS! You seriously have some amazing patience! Glad to see I am not the only one who thinks a project will take me a couple of hours (max!) and ends up spending day(s) finishing it! Have a wonderful July 4th!
Tee hee. Me too! I have a sickness. My husband hates “I can whip that up really quick!” I can feel him roll his eyes before I even finish that sentence. Oh well!
SO, any chance of you putting the cut file on etsy so those of us with lesser talent could recreate this? Pretty please??
Wow. Love it! Wow!
This is SO awesome! Omgosh you are dedicated to finish this project… I would have smashed the metal frame if I were you. LOL But I can see how worth it, it was! wow! And I too got chills from that speech!
I totally almost did. One or two little swears, and I felt much better.
{tee hee}
WOW! Your perseverance really paid off! LOL at your comment about “my neck hurts”. That’s exactly what I thought after finishing a recent mosaic project. Arts & crafts CAN be dangerous to your health
But they are oh-so-good for the soul!
Right? My poor neck. Nothing a little heating pad can’t fix. Mosaics would be VERY dangerous for my neck, for sure!
This is gorgeous. I never would have had the patience to do that. My favorite speech too. I have a magnet on my fridge with it and made my kids memorize it. happy 4th.
I should have my kids do that! Great idea!
Totally awesome!! I love it!
The project, the sentiment, everything about it is beautiful! I was an American Studies major and am still a history junkie so I feel you. Turned out wonderful. Glad you persevered. Just like Lincoln and Americans everywhere!
um. i’m pretty sure i just fell in love with you.
I adore this, I can’t say enough about it. The 4th is my favorite holiday as well, for those same reasons. Wow, what a beautiful tribute!!!
I am in love this is so neat…….I want it:)
brilliant, great color and all. xo-winks-jen
it’s fantastic.
like freakinfantastic.
i would never do it.
never.
all those letters.
i shudder at the thought.
i’m just lazy though.
but you know….after looking at it again.
maybe….it’s just that cool…
This is beautiful and most of all very patriotic!! TFS!!
Stopping by from WhipperBerry linky party. Here is what I shared this week: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-pillows.html
Happy 4th of July!!!
Wow! That is just plain AMAZING! Thanks for your dedication, I got chills just looking at it!
This is just amazing beyond words!
I am having a Red, White and Blue Linky Party that I’d love for you to join in on by adding your link!
http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/2011/07/red-white-and-blue-linky-party.html
I’m so impressed. I don’t know that I would be patient enough to do all of that weeding. Your project looks absolutely incredible.
This is absolutely amazing! I love it so much. I want one!
This is so beautiful. The project, the post, the inspiration. I would DIE to have one for my jr. high U.S. history classroom. When I clicked over from a linky party I thought it was going to be a printable. In all of your free time, you should make, at least the first phrase up to “created equal” into a printable. I would love to have it!! I am going to share this on my Facebook page.
Hi! I just happened to stumble upon your blog and I love the GA that you did. I love the 4th also and the whole month of July. My birthday, our annv. and our county fair is all in the month as well as my favorite holiday. I am an aide at our local MS and I actually get to sit through US History every day. There is a magazine out from LIFE honoring the 150th annv. of the Civil War. It is kinda expensive but worth it.
The sign you designed using the Gettysburg address is simply incredible! I want one! But I know there is no way that I will be able to make one like yours! You really should figure out how to mass produce and sell this!
I plan to feature a picture and a link to this post in my Sunday 7/10 Links to Love post over at http://www.momof6.com!
Warmly,
Sharon
I too would buy this if you had some for sale! Beutiful.
Wow, this is really impressive! I see so many smaller “subway art” type projects with six different fonts and sizes and it looks so jumbled. Yours looks great, and the justified text really helps.
Saw this on Oh Dee Doh. What an incredible idea!
This is THE most amazing thing EVER! I absolutely love it! Enough to buy a Silhouette just to make one! Almost. Just one question. How big is your finished project? I have some 6″ x 12″ frames. I might try to just print out something similar onto card stock and put it into one of those. Hoping it’s not too small to read!!
Oh! I love it! My hubby is a total history nerd (I say that with love) this makes me want a silhouette even more! I have a circut and love the little guy,and totally don’t have the heart/nerve to ask my hubby for another new toy! Great job!
This is absolutely beautiful. I cannot imagine the work that went into it! {Well, I mean, I can imagine since you talked about it but I can’t imagine actually DOING all of this work…}
What an amazing project! I love it! You inspire for sure. I’m just starting to cut vinyl & it hasn’t been kind to me so to see this just blew me away. thank you so much for sharing with us all. Happy New Year!
I featured you on my blog today – Live a fabuLESS life! Great idea!
Sell this!!! Or at least sell us the template.
Please oh please put this template up for sale. LOVE IT! Great job!! What size is your red frame? Just beautiful!
Just saw this on Pinterest… Any chance of getting a printed version I could frame? I’ll pay for it!!! Do you have an etsy shop?
Check the blog on Monday.