We are all jumpin for joy over here for summertime. The list of goodness is so yummy and fun:
A good book to read.
Baseball.
Sand between your toes.
Cold lemonade gulped down in silly straws.
Cut off jean shorts.
A warm towel to dry off after a cool swim.
Road trips.
Especially road trips to North Carolina.
July 4th…the stars and stripes
Blackberry cobbler with Bluebell Homemade Vanilla
The great outdoors.
Freedom.
All the elements came together in this July 4th mantel.
Books are great for layering. The baseballs are my kids and one is OLD. It is my uncle’s little league ball…signed by all his young teammates.
Sand makes a great anchor for festive flags. I used striped straws to line the jute rope for the stars and pom pom garland.
The stars are cut from old jeans. The pompoms made from old towels.
The license plate is a reminder of pending road trips. Especially our big trek to North Carolina. Fun car games are sure to ensue.
The folded flag is from a friend who flew it in Afghanistan in our honor. The eagle is always such a strong visual reminder of the freedom we are so blessed to enjoy. 
The little bird’s nest is a found treasure. My son found it for me. He knows his Mama’s heart well. The pedestal and junky accents are from recent junk outings.
All the summer necessities in one spot…
Well, except the cobbler and ice cream. I’m still working on that.
Check out my July 4th porch here or easy craft here!
This little lady isn’t on my mantel, but I love her just the same.
Here are a few tips on the garland so you can enjoy all the elements of summer in your own home!
Print a star to your size and liking, then cut it out for your pattern.
Get some old jeans, trace your star on the backside and cut out.
Cut an old towel into thin strips. Cut the strips into short pieces.
Bind with string, tightly.
I use jute for EVERYTHING. I threaded the jute through these straws from Michael’s. Next I layered the pom-pom and jean stars. Happy garland making and mantel decorating friends!
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery. Romans 5:1
LOVE that banner. You are so creative. Love that you made it out of unexpected stuff. I would never think of jeans but its PERFECT for the fourth! LOVE LOVE LOVE.
thanks Stephanie!!! I am a semi hoarder…I save random stuff for projects like this
So much cuteness! My mind has been a blury mess lately but I really think what I needed was a little inspiration to pull out my stuff tonight. And duh…how in the world has a baseball mom like me NEVER thought to use some baseballs in my 4th of July decor…what’s more american than that. The banner is absolutely precious!
I actually thought of you when I did it! You have to get that baseball gear out!!!
Oh my goodness! Sand in a mason jar – why didn’t I think of that?! And, that banner? Perfection! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Waiting on…Wednesday!
Thank you for sharing this with the #summerfamilyfun link-up! You are such an inspiration!
I saw your gorgeous mantel over at Richella’s party and had to stop by to tell you how much I adore it. I love all of your vintage things and also your pom-pom garland.
I am so glad you stopped by Paula! and so glad you liked the mantel. thank you!
Cute! I live me some patriotic decor!!! ❤️????????????
me too!
LOVE this mantel! Wondering what the blackboard message says….Thanks so much for always providing such creative and fun ideas 😀
It has a stencil that is French and I am can’t remember exactly what it says but it is something like I love your smiling face. 🙂 I bought a table that had already been updated with this phrase and deconstructed it to use the top as a wall hanging. I am so glad you enjoy the blog!!!
I super love your mantel!!! ????❤️????????
How often do you change it out?
Thanks friend, I change it at least seasonally, for most holidays or whenever the mood strikes me 😉
This is so adorable! We are having my grandsons Eagle Scout ceremony here in two weeks, and are using the patriotic theme for all the decor/table decorations. This would work perfectly, and carry us into July 4th as well. Love these ideas. Using the old jeans would be a great way for me to convince hubs to part with the raggedy ones. He will do anything for grandson! Your blog is inspiring.
Thanks Sharon and yes – put those jeans to work! I only use the ones to raggedy to pass along to someone else, but as you well know, boys are rough on some jeans! Enjoy your fun event