DIY’s to Make This a 4th of July to Remember! (Plus a few free printables!)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make commission (at no cost to you!)
if you purchase through the link. Read our affiliate disclosure here.

Can you believe it is almost the 4th of July?! I can’t! Considering how long winter was here in western Michigan, this summer is FLYING by! I wish I could make it stop because we had snow in April and I am nowhere near ready for summer to be over. Last summer my husband and I purchased, and moved into, my family’s lakehouse. You’d think having a lakehouse as a kid would mean I’ve spent every 4th of July here, but that is not the case.

My brothers and I played baseball and softball when we were kids, and then my kids played softball, and so for my entire life – until last summer – we only came to the lake for a couple weeks in August. I’d say we really missed out, but softball was a lot of fun- and now our softball friends visit, too! So now we are here and can spend the rest of our July 4ths at the lake. So far, so good- last year was a blast! Lots of good times with family and friends and it is SO nice that my little nephew guy gets to enjoy the same lakehouse his dad did so many years ago. It’s been a huge adjustment moving from Chicago to the country, but making these awesome new memories is well worth it. 

About 4 years ago we downsized from our 5 bedroom suburban home into a 2 bedroom condo in the city and I literally got rid of *everything.* Three yard sales, five Dumpsters, and about a million trips to Salvation Army and only what I “loved” was left. Not surprisingly, the holiday decor that was left was for Christmas, Fall and Halloween. Yup. No more “little” holidays, only items for my Top 3. And now look at us, living in a house again. Let me tell you, my husband LOVES IT when I buy things we sold for pennies on the dollar or give away. He LOVES IT. (He is a very patient man…)

So I need some 4th of July decor, like right now. I just ordered four of these American flag buntings for our deck, but I need some stuff for inside and also for the porch. Last year I was too overwhelmed with our kitchen remodel to think about decorating. This year or remodeling has slowed (I think we are finally tired) and now I neeeeed some stuff. You know what’s great about Patriotic Decor? It can be used for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day, and a lot of it can be left out all summer. Not wanting to break the bank, or cause my husband to say “don’t we have that already?” again and again, I’m turning to Pinterest for some DIY inspiration. Here’s what I have found so far- think it can be pulled off in less than a week? Let’s hope so! 

DIY’s for the 4th of July

How cute are these “fireworks” from My Talking Walls? Too cute! These would look great on any porch- and even a very narrow stoop. One 4×4, some paint and some rope and you’re all set. These would be cute without the wick, too…. Love these! If you need to start, or replenish, your craft paint stash, this is a great set of 18 paints and 25 various brushes at great prices! 

My Talking Walls

This is super easy! And I have the perfect basket. It’s not a basket, though, it’s more of a metal hanging thing with a snowman theme that had horrific plastic flowers in it that I got at Goodwill for $2. A little spray paint and some stick flags and this will be done in no time! I wonder if I really motivate if I could get my front door painted…that’s been on the list for a year, so probably not. Heh. This wall basket would be *perfect*!

Dreyne 

So like a month ago I finally broke down and bought a galvanized tiered tray. I know, I am way late buying one- sometimes it takes me awhile to warm up to an idea. Plus I have no idea how to decorate it, and now it seems like it going to constantly change, so it’s kind of a commitment, lol! I did see this cute 4th of July tiered tray, which seems relatively easy, so I may as well get started and join the tiered tray party! Plus I have a lot of these little flags, sooooo….

Pricillas2000

And then I saw this one, which I LOVE because I love succulents- and this could work for many seasons, not just summer. There is the cutest shop in town that has amazing succulents. When you live in the middle of nowhere, you don’t have access to much, so if it’s not at Walmart or one of the small shops, it’s a solid hour & a half in the car to get to Michaels, Target, Home Goods, etc. I think I will combine elements from both of these and hopefully end up with something great! Did you know there are subscription boxes for succulents?? So tempting!

Pinterest

This is super easy! I have open shelving in my kitchen and the top shelf is all white pitchers of various sizes. I think I’m going to need more flags. Did you know you can pick up pitchers in various sizes, in any color available, at thrift stores and spray paint them a glossy white? If they are just for decorating purposes, you can achieve the farmhouse look for super cheap if you do it this way! (That’s what I did in my kitchen.)

Hayseed Homemakin

I live this grapevine wreath! I was at Farm Girl Flea Market last Spring and these cotton stems were everywhere. If you are anywhere near western Michigan and haven’t been to a Farm Girl Flea weekend, check it out and go! You will not be disappointed. It is a full day of amazing farmhouse decor, wonderful antique and vintage finds, and incredible prices. I am kicking myself for not buying some cotton stems when I went to the market because now they are much more expensive!

I like this wreath because you could take the flag out between patriotic holidays and pop it back in when it’s holiday time. If you’re not feeling like a DIY, this beautiful wreath is available at CrystalsCottageHome on Etsy. Materials needed:
Grapevine wreath
Cotton stems
American flag
Red burlap ribbon

This centerpiece is simply gorgeous! It is so easy to find (or make) wooden boxes like this. This would be a great use for an old wooden tool caddy, too. I love fresh flowers, but these might be good quality fake ones…hard to tell! This would add instant charm to any to any style of home decor. 

Common Ground

This “flag” would be perfect on a porch or a mantle. The antique store in town has the *perfect* window for this- I really hope no one bought it over the weekend because I am definitely going in to get it today. Of course it’s been there for weeks and while I always think “I should buy that…” I never have because I didn’t know what to do with it. This is made from an old window and pallet wood. So easy! And if you make the flag pieces temporary this window could be used as a year-round mantle display. The window I have my eye on is a nice, rustic, weathered red- I can easily incorporate it into Christmas and Valentine’s Day decor too! 

A Little Bit of This That and Everything

Another easy way to decorate is through free printables. There are so many to choose from on Pinterest, but I thought I’d add a few more to the mix here, here and here!

These all seem like pretty doable DIYs for the week. It should look a lot more like the 4th of July around here once I’m done. Have you found any awesome patriotic DIY projects? I’d love to check them out- leave a link in the comments if you have! 

Want more inspiration? Check out our 4th of July Pinterest board for ideas from other great bloggers!

Related Posts: 
No campfire? No problem! Stay home & enjoy these fun camp treats!
Plant These Now For a Mosquito Free Yard!

Happy 4th of July!
Allison

 

 

Sign up to receive more posts like this one!