ramblings from an arkansas farm girl
Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite patriotic decorating ideas for the home and garden. While patriotism never goes out of style, the 4th of July calls for extra red, white, and blue flair. And I prefer to think beyond the typical and decorate using things I already have or flea market finds.
Like vintage marbles. Red, white, and blue marbles displayed in blue depression glass adds a touch of Americana without being too obvious.
Haha. This is so simple it’s silly. Homemade bunting made from string or ribbon, teeny clothespins and vintage handkerchiefs (because everyone has a big stack, right?).
Right.
There’s just something about bunting and porches and summer. This vintage hanky bunting is cute for glamping or camping or decorating the barn for your next family reunion. Perfect for spiffing up your sidewalk lemonade stand or neighborhood porch party or vacation beach bonfire. Why let those vintage linens sit in a drawer all summer? They need to be clothesline, fresh-air, freeeeeee!
String up some ribbon or cord, pin up the handkerchiefs and there you have it. No sewing, because I don’t sew. Easy peasy breezy vintage hanky bunting.
As my blogger friend Jerusalem Greer calls it, homespun summer.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]Easy peasy breezy #vintage hanky #bunting. #howto #homespunsummer [/tweetthis]
P.S. If by some odd coincidence you don’t have a drawer full of hankies, you can pick some up for a few dollars at flea markets everywhere. Or use craft paper. Or material scraps.
Musical Pairing:
Seals & Crofts, Summer Breeze
This! Check out the whimsical, tiny clay version of our house. Our mini-me house.
I’m a big believer in supporting local artisans whether the artist is a painter, writer, potter, jeweler, cheese-maker, basket weaver, etc. Handmade artisans work hard, and they do it for the love of their craft. One of a kind, handmade items add a special something-something to a home. Cookie cutter decor? No way. Think outside the mall. It’s so much more fun.
Beth Macre of Beth S. Macre Studio (Springdale, Ar) made our clay ceramic mini-me home based on the picture below.
She completely exceeded my expectations, so much so that I felt compelled to blog about it. Look at the porch detail. In the picture below, our tiny clay house is sitting on the front porch rail. A porch on a porch:)
Beth makes all sorts of whimsical clay art and can custom make a version of your house, too. (Ours is featured on her blog, along with a peek of her other fanciful creations.) She’s a true, meticulous artist who even worked to get the paint colors just right.
I’m thinking this would be a great gift idea for a new homeowner. Also, what a perfect hostess gift for folks on home tour (Munger Place, Swiss Ave, Washington-Willow, etc.). In fact, I can probably think of a ton of reasons everyone needs a one-of-a-kind miniature house. Because the sun is shining. Because I didn’t eat ice cream last night when I really wanted it. Lots.Of.Reasons.
Beth’s clay homes are small. Tiny, really. As with most handmade items, sizes vary. Mine is smaller than the width of a clothespin.
Back of our house. Such detail!
Check out Beth’s HeartHomes Etsy shop for lots of cute, ready-to-buy little houses, clay bowls, and other items. Or go the custom route like I did. And, p.s., I just discovered she also makes clay trees which I may need around my house.
I’m not kidding when I say this little house makes me happy. Sometimes it’s the tiniest of things that put a smile on my face.
Fyi, this is not a sponsored post. I’m spreading the word because I love Beth’s work. And guess what? Through the end of June, Beth S. Macre Studio is offering a 15% discount off any purchase, including custom listings. Use the code BLOG15 at checkout to get your discount at HeartHomes, Beth’s Etsy shop.
I can’t wait to see your happy mini-me house. Yay!
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]Because everyone needs a miniature version of their home! @bmacre #ceramic #ArkansasArtisan #clay #SupportLocalArt[/tweetthis]
Musical Pairing:
Happy, Pharrell Williams
