Decorative 4th of July Piece - A crafty project

I really like some of the red, white and blue or patriotic project ideas out there.  This one (click here) really inspired me to convert an old wood box into a great summer piece.  My wood box is a replica of the old-pioneer style tool boxes.  I think it was something all of my school class was given when we were studying the pioneers.  You can easily use a small crate or nail a few pieces of wood together, with or without the handle for this project.

Materials:1 wood box
paint (red, white, blue)
paint brushes
Clear gloss

Instructions:
1.  Make sure the wood is ready to paint.  Sand any rough parts.

2.  Using a pencil (or pen if you prefer) mark/stencil the design on the wood.

3.  Paint your stencil.  Let dry.

4.  Touch up any spots.  Let dry

5.  Go outside to spray clear gloss to seal and protect the paint.  Let dry.

Now you are ready to display and use your patriotic box for serving and decoration.  Perfect for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day!

Have a Heart

In honor and celebration of Heart Health month I created little heart ornaments.  These also serve as a great Valentine's Day table center piece or other decoration for the holiday.

I used wooden hearts in various smallish sizes and drilled in holes with a Dremel.  The Dremel, I found, was easier than a normal drill for this project.  You can find wood heart ornaments or ones with holes at some craft stores.  Any colors of paint that work on wood of your choice and paintbrush.  For writing words or phrases I like the liquid gel pens in silver and gold, but any color or type of pen would work.

Some of the phrases I thought appropriate for these hearts included love, life, laugh, faith and family.  Happy Valentine's Day worked on the larger hearts, while small designs were best for the smallest hearts.

I arranged them with metals hooks instead of ribbons on a wire tree.  I even found a few crochet heart ornament patterns to the mix, but that will be another project on the list.   Just check out Raverly, Red Heart Yarn and Lion Brand Yarn for knit and crochet heart patterns.