Patriotic decor abounds as Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching! Whether you’re spending a quiet weekend with family or hosting a massive BBQ I hope these easy and beautiful patriotic decorations help make your event special. After all, our country and its freedoms are amazingly special. God bless America and those who have served and protected it. We are humbled by your sacrifice!
That’s why I love this printable inspired by our national anthem. I’ve seen this particular phrase floating around for years but finally had the chance to bring it to life in our home. No surprise that it’s chalkboard art – you know, my fave. 🙂
This printable is particularly special to me as it is floating in a window that used to be part of my grandfather’s house. As a veteran of WWII he was the bravest man I’ve ever known. Thankfully he returned from WWII, unlike so many others including his younger brother. I’m not sure he ever really got over losing his little brother. Unfortunately there are many families grieving in the same way today. My heart breaks for them. My hope is that they are wrapped in extra-special love this weekend. If you are reading this and know such a family – love them. If you are reading this and are such a family – know that my family is praying for yours, dear one. So much love for you! xoxo
Ok, I’ve gotta pull myself together here. I’m totally writing this post with tears streaming down my face. Gah! Alright – let’s get to the printable, shall we? Here’s an up-close look at the FREE patriotic printable I’ve got here for you! Just download the file and have it printed as an engineer print at your local office supply store. It cost me a whopping $2.41! It’s sized to be 18″ x 24″ but you can always print it smaller if you’d like. I trim the edges and “float” it in this window by using a few pieces of clear tape in the corners.
Land of the FREE Because of the BRAVE Printable
Perfect for Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veteran’s Day, amiright?!
The other decor item you’ll find on my mantel and can easily make for less than $5 is this red, white, and blue flowering tree. If you have a few of the basics around it’s essentially free to DIY. I just love easy, beautiful, AND inexpensive decor!
Here’s what you’ll need to DIY the flowering tree:
- Mason jar
- Patriotic ribbon &/or burlap
- Sticks
- Cardstock
- Hot glue
- Spray glitter (optional)
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors
Wrap your jar with ribbon/burlap and add a dab of hot glue to keep it in place.
Place sticks into the jar and make these beautiful paper flowers (video tutorial here), spraying them with glitter if you’d like.
Hot glue them into place and voila!
I think it would look so great as a centerpiece as well!
There’s a video tutorial of how to make whole tree, flowers and all, here.
Here’s a closer look at some of the other goodies on my mantel. If you’re wondering where I got them, my sources are listed below.
- USA letters – Target
- Books – I specifically chose red, white, and blue historical books from my history-teacher-husband’s collection
- Red & white striped ribbon – Joann Fabrics
- Vintage mason jar – A friend
- American flags – Target
- Letter M – My aunt
I hope that this patriotic mantel can help you add a little love for the red, white, and blue in your home this weekend! I may just keep it up until Rio 2016. USA! USA! Happy Memorial Day, friends!
xoxo,
Meg
