by Kelly Lanza
I’m not too sure how it got to be the middle of June already, but you know what that means… the Fourth of July is right around the corner! I wanted to make some decor that was patriotic but didn’t scream it (if you know what I mean), and I thought this watercolor stripe bunting was the perfect solution! Not only does it work for a July 4th BBQ (strung on tables or overhead), but it could be great in any palette for all sorts of summer soirees. And it is so easy to make, you may just make one in every color!
Supplies -
- Watercolor Paper or Thick Cotton Paper
- Watercolors (I just used a basic kids set!)
- Water
- Various Paintbrushes
- Sequin Trim, Ribbon or Twine
- Hole Punch
- Scissors
- Pencil + Ruler for Marking Flags
If using 8.5×11′ size paper, cut the paper in half width-wise to make two small rectangles. Use your ruler and pencil to draw a flag shape on one end of the paper (my point was 3″ from the bottom.) and cut out. Repeat with as many flags as you want.
Paint lines of various widths on each flag using different size paint brushes. Let dry completely.
Punch a hole in each top corner of the flags and string your ribbon or trim through to form it into bunting!
Voila! Perfect Fourth of July decor that could easily be used for other summer parties too. Hello, nautical bashes and clambakes!?
I had a few extras left over and decided to turn them into actual flags, too! I wrapped a wooden dowel in metallic gold tape and taped the flags to them! Bam!
[Photos by Studio DIY for The Sweetest Occasion.]
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This past week I deemed it was high time to introduce a few new house plants around our humble abode. Want in on a little secret? I have a total black thumb when it comes to houseplants. Gardening and outdoor plants I can do. Want me to keep cut flowers fresh for weeks? I can do that, too. But houseplants? Somehow I missed out on that ability completely, even though I love plants and always dream of having them all over the house. Never one to give up though, I decided it was time to give it another go and with the help of my mom we picked out a couple of easy houseplants last week that I’ll hopefully be able to keep alive for longer than a week. (Let’s all cross our fingers – history is not on my side here!)
I’ve had this vintage owl planter that was my grandmother’s kicking around for a few years. I decided to spruce it up with a coat of gold leaf spray paint and then my mom and I picked out a spider plant to go inside. Spider plants are allegedly low maintenance and only need to be watered once a week – I’m hoping I can handle that much! And I kind of love how it makes the little owl (I’ve dubbed him Sam) look like he has a big spiky hairdo. I get kicks out of that. Of course, I had to share Sam’s obligatory before photo. He was cute to start with, but after a couple of coats of paint he’s looking all shiny and awesome. Exactly the kind of metallic gold awesome that I love. The proof is in the pudding here – a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into just about any old thing you have lying around the house!
In addition to Sam’s little makeover, I picked up a second larger plant to tuck inside a basket planter. This plant is a dracaena, also allegedly pretty low maintenance, and it was the color of the bright green leaves that made me decide it should come home with me and stay awhile. I’m not sure where it will end up in the long run for right now just set it near our little bench and I kind of like how it looks so it may stay there. The flag above the bench is a vintage one that I picked up on eBay a few years ago. I am obsessed with vintage flags – made from real cotton and with stripes that are stitched together, not printed. There are only 48 stars, which makes it no newer than 1959, but I suspect it may be even older.
And that’s all for now on the houseplant front! I’ll keep you posted as I determine whether or not I can actually keep them alive. In the meantime I just thought I’d share another quick update from the homefront. It’s so fun to see everything finally coming together around here!
[Photos by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.]
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Good morning and happy Monday, friends! Did everyone have a great weekend? Ours was pretty awesome, honestly. The best in a long while. Following the tournament on Friday, Saturday was a busy day of errands, housework and family time. And Father’s Day was pretty fantastic around these parts! I made B’s favorite breakfast and then we spent the day with family. And now it’s another Monday and a whole new week. So it’s time for our weekly color palette! This morning I was feeling this lovely palette of neutrals. As much as I love bright punchy colors, saturated jewel tones and pretty pastels, sometimes neutrals just get the job done. Throw in a smudge of deep midnight blue and it’s a really sophisticated look that’s quite easy on the eyes.
[Photos, from top: Andy Luce from Dribble | Chris Craymer for Glamour UK via Dust Jacket | In Haus Press via Paper Crave.]
Hey everyone! As promised I’ve been all but consumed with preparations for the 3rd annual Ryan Converse Memorial Golf Tournament this week and today I’m skipping out to be at the course all day making sure everything goes smoothly. (And keeping my fingers crossed for sunshine, too!) Honestly, I’m just so excited to see everyone, to give my little sister a big huge hug and get to spend the day with the people I love best. This weekend will be a bit hectic between the tournament, visiting with family and Father’s Day festivities, but I would have it no other way. Here’s wishing you a crazy beautiful weekend – see you here next week! xoxo
[Illustration by Jen Roffe.]
With Father’s Day this weekend, it only seemed appropriate to talk about toasting Dad with something supremely delicious! I’m really looking forward to spending the weekend with B and our families, and along with his favorite dessert a perfectly concocted cocktail is definitely on the spoil-him-rotten menu this weekend. When thinking about cocktails for guys, think liquors like bourbon, whiskey, spiced rum and tequila, and skip overly sweet additions. Because guys like manly cocktails. Or so I tell myself in my head. Either way, the guys are sure to love these cocktails, but lucky for us ladies – you will, too! Need more ideas for Father’s Day? Pop over to Babble for my favorite homemade gifts for Dad!
[1: Morocco | 2: El Diablo | 3: Bubbly Manhattan | 4: Blood orange margarita | 5: Blood orange shandy | 6: Cherry whiskey smash | 7: Porter shakes | 8: Inside-out mojito | 9: Carrot orange ginger bourbon cocktail.]
