Fourth of July Inspiration

There aren't too many holidays that I don't decorate for.  Today I thought I would share a few finds and creations that bring out that patriotic pride.  Alot of things I have re-purposed to fit in with vintage holiday decorating...

Remember these outdoor torches that I found at an esate sale awhile ago..

They fit the red and white theme, and I knew I could use them somehow for the fourth.  I didn't want to put oil in and burn them  - I just wanted them for display.

I stuck a few flags in the hole at the top and they are a perfect spot of patriotic color in my yard.

A couple of vintage patriotic books, two old red and white striped containers filled with fresh roses and a couple of small flags decorate the top of this cabinet.  Even something as simple as some red and white vintage trim makes it into a little vignette.

 

This guy is not vintage...but has that vintage look.  I put him on a old black stand with drilled holes and inserted a couple of flags.

A couple of beaded safety pin baskets in red, white and blue...I need to hunt down some more!

I love collecting little vintage handcrafted treasures.  Crystal and I did a trade this year and this little darling spun cotton pair arrived in the mail.  I love their little bells. (she has an esty shop to boot).

I got this little patriotic gal a couple of years from Laurie Duncan.

Here is a another example of re-purposing a found item. I got this odd  horn (18 inches tall) at an estate sale a few years ago...it has the original blue paint.  I gussied it up and added some holiday fun with vintage items.

This is my favorite photo for the fourth.  It is my dad and his twin brother about 65 years ago on the beach.  I can't believe I found it in the family photo stash.

This little old can lid is the back side of "Hooray for the Red, White and Blue" tag  A great way to re-purpose something!

Old songbook and one of my Uncle Sam creations.

This little scene sits on my coffee table in the living room. (had a heck of a time trying to take a picture, so moved him outside).  Notice the old tin American fife, the vintage patriotic garland and the little man who lives in a cloche...all perched on a cardboard drum.

I found him in a jar of junk and added the little silk flag and the jar top base.  His stand is a couple of old red blocks.

Even something as simple as a couple of tiny ribbons on a pair of topiaries on my front porch as some fun.

Did you know they even make patriotic conversation hearts?

I hope I have inspired some creative fun...once again think OUTSIDE the traditional and reinvent something unusual.  I have one more fun item to share...but that will wait for my next post.

Comments

[Kim]

You know, I've never decorated for the 4th. I really should. You inspire me. I will have to start collecting for next year.

[Melissa]

I have told you before that we think alike. I too have patriotic conversation hearts. Your flag garland that I bought on Etsy is hanging from my mantel. Have you seen the Bethany Lowe sparklers? They are really cute! I love your pictures of how you display things. So fun!!!

[Lynn]

These are all fabulous!!! But my fave is the horn and of course your Dad and his brother.

Have a fantastic day.

Lynn

[*elaine*]

What an awesome repurposing of some totally unrelated items the make your displays absolutly POP!!! You have a great eye...and a great way of combining stuff! Thanks for sharing!! *elaine*

[barbara]

So many good ideas! (So little time before the 4th!) I loved that little picture of the boys with the flag the second I saw it, and the fact that it's your dad is really great. I've only ever found two of those beaded baskets in my travels, by the way.

[Elizabeth Holcombe]

How spectacular! Have a wonderful Fourth!~~~XXOO, Beth

[Angie]

You must live in the "Land of Unlimited Estate Sales and Vintage Finds"!!!! *jealous* I have really been enjoying your blog and I love all your pics and ideas. :)

[Kathy]

Love your July 4th displays! So much fun - they make me smile!

Your little "cotton couple" are so sweet, and the little blue patriot on the lid is so cute - I also LOVE the pic of your dad and his brother (very special), and the horn! So much to love - Happy 4th of July to you!

Take care, Kathy

[xashee]

Wow! at those safety pin baskets!!! i have seen safety pin Indian headdresses but those are LOVELY! :)
i LOVE all your photos, you are so CREATIVE! Thank you so much for sharing such GREAT inspiration!! Have a WONDERFUL day!

[Heather]

I love JUNK!! I love your junk tons!! It makes me drool!!

[Carol @ Old Glory Cottage]

Please tell me where you got the conversation hearts!! I love how you don't use the obvious to do your decorating. It's so unique, and so YOU!!

[Kim G.]

H.R.H. Laurie! LOVE the patriotic display!! Especially little sailor man. You are the queen of cool holiday displays!

[Elma Riedstra]

Love everything!! The blue little man is adorable. I have never decorated for the fourth I guess I should:)

[BeckyKay]

You know what? I want to be you when I grow up! You do such clever things with your decorating!