In my neck of the woods about a week before Memorial Day, American flags start popping up all over the place.
They line the streets and they're hung from homes in all shapes and sizes.
Then, once Memorial Day passes, the flags come down and they don't go back up again until early July in honor of the fourth.
However.
This year seems to be a whole different ball game.
The flags went up as expected in mid May, but instead of coming down as June approached, more flags went up.
And they continue to multiply every day.
They're truly everywhere. And not just your basic flags. A record number of residential and commercial buildings are decked out in all sorts of red, white and blue banners and decor... and, of course, it's all in honor of America's 250th birthday celebration.
Over the years I think I've only come up with a handful of crafts for the Fourth of July.
But since this year, it's such an iconic holiday, and I'm feeling kind of festive, I've decided to join a few of my friends for a little Decorating For The Fourth of July blog hop.
So if you're here, visiting from Carol at Bluesky At Home, who also happens to be our fabulous blog hostess, welcome! I'm thrilled you've decided to pop by.
Now, if you know me at all, then you know I'm a huge thrift store shopper. I just love a good (cheap!) second hand find, but even more than the hunt, I love giving those finds a creative makeover.
How To Make A Holiday Decoupage Dish
So naturally my decor DIY starts with this $1.00 glass plate. It's the kind of treasure I just can't resist, which means I have tons of them in my stash.
What's the attraction, you ask? Well, they're great for decoupage and transfers.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Paired with a pretty pattern, like this flag I picked up at Dollar Tree last year, they become show pieces for display and dinner.
Since the decoupage is only on the back of the plate, and the glass remains untouched, they're actually safe for food.
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| See Similar Flag Napkins Here |
The results are always lovely and the process is super simple no matter the season, occasion or holiday.
I started this DIY by cutting one flag away from the rest of the napkin.
Then I used a small piece of scotch tape to grab the unnecessary layers of the napkin and peeled them away.
Left with only the patterned layer of the napkin, I set it aside, while I added my Dixie Belle Satin Sealer (you can use Mod Podge instead if you like) to the back of the plate with a brush.
One quick note:
- I haven't found one decoupage medium, including the Dishwasher Mod Podge, that actually holds up to repeated water exposure. I love Dixie Belle because it's strong, a furniture grade sealer, but I still only hand wash them and avoid getting the back too wet.
I placed the napkin, pattern side down, on the plate and used my gloved fingers to smooth out any bumps or wrinkles.
I was careful not to pull or press too hard, since I didn't want the delicate napkin to tear.
To be honest, I really prefer using rice paper for decoupage crafts. It's much sturdier and there are virtually no wrinkles to deal with, but I had napkins so I went with it.
Once the napkin was dry enough to touch, I used a sharp pair of scissors to trim away any extra.
And applied another coat of sealer over the back of the napkin.
When that coat was completely dry, I used my sandpaper pad to remove any excess napkin from around the edges of the plate.
And then I was done.
Ready to set my table for the big celebration.
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| How do you like that price tag on the picture frame? Haha...oops! Clearly it was a recent find. |
Or not. You see, if I were having a dinner party, I would've repeated this process and made more festive flag plates. However, we'll be at the beach eating sandwiches out of a cooler.
So I only made one plate and at the moment, it's decorating my kitchen.
I would've put it outside, with the rest of the flags, but I thought it was much safer in here.
😉
Don't you agree?
Before you get to the rest of the holiday home decor, I want to leave you with this photo of me from the 1976 Bicentennial fair at my elementary school with my teacher and classmates.
Yes, I'm that old...and yes, I think my mother cut up her old drapes to make that black and white apron.
I guess those crafty apples don't fall very far from their trees.
And now I send you off to visit my good friend Sherry at Houzewise. She has a stunning home and you don't want to miss her decor.
Then be sure to check out the links below and check out all the inspiration.
To see all the creative decorating ideas check out the links below.
- Bluesky At Home: 4th of July Banners and Pennants
- Exquisitely Unremarkable: July 4th DIY Glass Plate (You are here!)
- Houzewize: Outdoor 4th of July Decor
- From Farmhouse to Florida: Flags, Flowers and Finials
- An Organized Season: Front Door Decor
- Cloches and Lavender: Flags and Spindles
Happy Hopping!
Such a great project! I really need to do something like this! Thanks for joining our hop today! Love the picture of you from the Bicentennial! I need to dig mine out as well! I was in the "talent" show , showing off my skills! Happy 4th of July!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kimberly! I do love a good hop! I hope you'll share your talent show pictures...it's always fun to look back!! Happy 4th!
DeleteI haven't decopaged anything in ages - such a fun craft! I was just thinking yesterday that I need to get a flag to hag. But first, I need to learn how to use my drill...(:
ReplyDeleteI need to do the same, Gina. I wish they had an adult ed class on how to use power tools 101! I'd totally sign up!!
DeleteHey Kim - this is Mari. Google won't let me sign in today...
ReplyDeleteAnyway - this is great! I love patriotic stuff and the flags at my house go up before Memorial Day and stay till after the 4th every year. This is a great way to add a little more inside the house.
PS - love that cute picture of you in 1976. (And love that you have inherited your moms craft gene) I was 15, so even older than you and remember the celebrations well!
Hi Mari! Ugh...Blogger. It's such a fickle friend. 🙃 Thanks for the sweet comment and visit! We usually have a flag outside, but this year, I'd like to add one to the front door, as well. That picture is so funny, isn't it? I hope other people will share their photos from 1976...it was a really big deal!!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI think this glass plate idea is a great way to customize a theme of your own. It would even be a great way to gift a plate of brownies or something to somebody. : )
Thanks Liberty!! I love your suggestions, too...what a great idea. I may have to bring my plate down to the beach with some brownies on it now. Nothing better than a festive treat at the beach!
DeleteYes, I remember the Bicentennial. I was young but so excited. We had a huge celebration. You're the decoupage Queen. I have to try Dixie Belle one day
ReplyDeleteIt was a big deal, Cindy! I remember it well...and yes, you'd love Dixie Belle. I've tried all the paints and sealers out there and their products are truly the best.
DeleteI love the idea of the decoupage plate, it is such a great way to create a unique table setting or have just one to decorate for the 4th of July! You look so adorable in that picture, and the apron your mother made is beautiful! I guess the apple didn't fall too far from the tree!😍
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I loved my outfit..any occasion to dress up and I was in!! Now I have to go find a picture of the living room with those curtains on the wall. So funny!!
DeleteJust wanted let you know it Sherry 😀
DeleteThanks Sherry!! 💕 Happy 4th!!
DeleteOMG Kim you look so adorable in your apron. Ha Ha your mom used curtains lol! Love the plate especially with the red floral plate. You go crafty girl. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteHaha…isn’t that funny, Kris!?! I remember coming home with the notice from school and my mom was like you need what kind of costume?? I have to give her a lot of credit, back then there were no costume stores like Party City or Amazon shop, but she did ok! I hope you have a lovely weekend!
DeleteHi Kim, I have the same napkins from Dollar Tree; now I just need to find a clear plate to try this! I adore how you paired it with your red floral plate! Thanks for sharing the picture of you, it's so cute! Happy 4th of July!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit, Donna! I love those glass plate crafts and I see the plates at every thrift store I visit. If you find some and decoupage a plate, you'll have to let me know. I'd love to see what you create!
DeleteYou are the queen of decoupage!! And I love the old photo! Those are the best!! Happy summer!!!
ReplyDeleteOld photos are totally the best, Stephanie!! I knew I had this one tucked away somewhere. I'm just glad I remembered where! Haha!!
DeleteHI KIM, I love glass for all the projects you love just like me. I love the napkin idea.
ReplyDeleteAnd most of us have leftover napkins. You got me thinking of the funny cocktail napkins for a girls night with decopage. great party great craft!
I love that idea, Laura! I might have to have a girls' party night just so I can make a few of those funny napkin plates. Awesome!!
DeleteKim, I love that old photo of you! The plate is great and perfect for MD and the 4th of July. It's great that you can thrift and buy those clear plates. I hope you are enjoying this summer weather! :D
ReplyDeleteI’m glad I was able to dig that photo out, Julie. Everyone seems to be getting a kick out of it! I’m glad I could find those plates, too. I see them at Dollar Tree, too, but they’re cheaper at the thrift stores. I hope you have a great weekend…it’s supposed to be hot!! ☀️
DeleteDear Kim, I absolutely love that old photo of you! And you never cease to amaze and fascinate me with your creative talent, dear friend! I absolutely love the plate!
ReplyDeleteI knew I had that photo somewhere, Linda! It was just too funny not to share. ☺️
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteHow fun to see you "back in the day". ;-)
I love the plates.
I am decking out for the big birthday with red, white and blue flowers and plants. I hope to do a post soon on my progress.
xo
Carla
I love that photo of you, so sweet! And I love the fun craft as well, I have in mind that some blueberry-ish treat would go nicely with the colors (maybe simply because I love all things blueberry).
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Oh Amalia, I’m a huge blueberry fan! I bet that plate would look good with some sweet blueberry pie. I might have to make one today!! Thanks for the suggestion. 💕
DeleteKim, great decoupage project! I’ve done a similar one with a large glass platter and clear plastic chargers! I love your tip for separating the layers - that’s always the hard part. Those napkins are lovely. Your picture is darling. You haven’t changed a bit. I love that your area is showing off their patriotism with all the flags. I’ve noticed more this year, too.
ReplyDeleteEveryone loves that picture, Carol! I guess it’s fun to look back. This was a great hop, thanks for hosting. Those decoupage glass plates are so fun to play with…I’m glad I was able to make one to celebrate the 4th. My WWII waist gunner dad would be happy to see it!!
DeleteOh my goodness, Kim, these are absolutely magnificent! I truly love them, and how perfect for the 250th anniversary of our wonderful country. I love this project.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pattie! It was a perfect summer project and super fun to hop with friends. ☺️ Have a super weekend!
DeleteWell, that is just darling, Kim. I would expect nothing less of you, though!!! That photo of you was so fun. You were as cute as could be then and a beauty now. I was 25 & pregnant with my Tara. We went to a 4th celebration and it was so hot I thought I was going to die---plus being pregnant and keeping track of a 8 year old. lol
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend and enjoy June for all it's worth. xo Diana
Kim, what a quick and easy way to spruce up your decor for any holiday! Pinned.
ReplyDeleteThat turned out so well and will be useful for summer decorating. I made one similar for Easter with a napkin and plate. I love the photo of you from your school days. How cute!
ReplyDeleteGreat project, Kim. Somehow, I never see clear plates at estate sales/thrift stores - or maybe, I just haven't noticed. Time for me to start paying attention! Ah, the Bicentennial! I was a teenager working as a waitress at a summer resort. Think 'Dirty Dancing' with a dining room that wasn't quite as posh! Those were the days.....
ReplyDeleteAw, I love that throwback photo! So fun. That is a lovely flag plate.
ReplyDelete