Happy Memorial Day!

Wow! It has been over a week since I posted!  My apologies- someone forgot to tell the powers-that-be that teachers are supposed to have the summers off!  My summer semester began this past week and with a major school project due in two weeks there has not been much time for anything fun or creative.  I decided that I was going to give myself an unauthorized fourth day of the Memorial Day weekend and get back in the craft room, for a few minutes anyway! 

According to history.com, the Memorial Day tradition began in 1868 as a way to remember the soldiers lost in the Civil War.  Originally called "Decoration Day", the tradition expanded during World War I to commemorate American soldiers lost in all wars. 

Growing up in Hampton Roads, an area with a Navy, Coast Guard, Marine, and Army bases all located within 30 miles of each other, I learned early to appreciate the role of our troops in procuring and maintaining the freedom that we all enjoy today. I thought that this little sign would be a great addition to my Memorial Day decorations.  

I started with a 10" x 10" canvas I found at Michaels.  When I got home I realized that I did not have the parchment colored paint that I wanted to use for the background.  Since our local Michaels recently moved across town, I decided to try to mix colors and make my own parchment color instead of driving all the way out there again.  I learned to check my supplies before I shop, because I am not a good paint mixer!  Anyway, I eventually got the color I wanted and cut the words out with my Cricut ("Everyday Fonts" cartridge).  

I also finally got around to at least starting my patriotic wreath.  

I started with a grapevine wreathe and added silk hydrangeas. I need to take lessons on how to use a hot glue gun without burning myself on the glue! 

When I finished adding the hydrangeas and the leaves it looked like it needed something
so I added some dried flowers and an old bow.  The jury is still out on both.  I think I liked it better without the bow.  Oh well, I will decide before it goes back up for Fourth of July. 

I hope that you have a very Happy and Safe Memorial Day weekend!  Thanks for stopping by today! 

~Cynthia