Summer is a fun and cheery time to be outside doing outside things! I wanted to incorporate the outside into a fun patriotic DIY project that anyone could do for fun 4th of July decor
This month my Junk Visionary friends are all bringing you a fresh new patriotic project to enjoy.
My husband and I were working in the yard last weekend and I trimmed back an overgrown shrub. An Eleagnus to be exact. As I was hauling the brush to the curb the typical thought went through my mind. “What a waste, I should do something with these branches.” And there you have it. Idea born!
Here are the supplies I used, never mind the cat or the M&M’s. He is just a ham that likes to be in the mix and a girl needs a snack when she’s crafting! I started with a large glass votive I had on hand. You can find them for cheap at Walmart, that’s where I got mine.
Next I clipped the small branches off the main branch of my shrub clippings. You want to use a smooth barked plant like this one. I cut all the branches into equal lengths using a chop saw. It was quick and easy.
Divide your sticks into three equal piles. Using acrylic craft paint mixed heavily with water I washed each set of sticks in the good ole red, white & blue. It doesn’t have to be perfect because you will lightly sand the sticks to distress and weather them once dry. Make the paint as light or dark as you want, depending on the look you’re going for.
Next lay them out in a pattern, as close together as possible.
Going five to six sticks at a time run a line of hot glue across the pile. Press a jute rope into the glue to string them together. Make two rows like this, being careful to measure and make sure you get the right length to wrap around your vase.
Tie the jute strings together tightly, it’s like you’re putting a little coat on your vase friend.
I cut two strips of canvas cloth. At the end of both pieces cut a small hole to string the jute through. Wrap around, thread the jute and tie. I filled mine with sand and a candle, you could fill with flowers too. It would also make a great centerpiece, especially if you made a few to go down the center of a table.
I use this little patriotic vase in my kitchen window next to some other candles and greenery for the holiday season. I hope you enjoy this simple craft! If so I’d appreciate you sharing it!
Now check out my friends patriotic vision!
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Claire says
Great outdoor table decoration. I love your clever use of twigs, so simple but effective. Thanks
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Great for a BBQ!
Tammy Henderson says
Such a cute Idea! I love how you did the wash rather than straight paint. pinned
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Thanks! I think the wash is a softer approach!
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Easy and fun! Can’t get much better than that. 🙂
Kim at Hunt and Host says
amen!
ScavengerChic says
I do have a hurricane lamp I could try this on. Always love an inexpensive project.
Kim at Hunt and Host says
ooooh I love a hurricane vase!
Amy @ StowandTellU says
The wash give it the perfect touch. So pretty!
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Thanks, I wanted something subtle
loveyoumoredesigns says
Such a great repurposing idea! I’m not a big 4th of July decorator but I would love this! xoKathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}
Kim at Hunt and Host says
I’m not really either so I love something that just nods at it!
Lucy ~ Patina Paradise says
What a simple yet creative and inexpensive way to bring some red white and blue into any decor! Sticks never looked so good!
Kim at Hunt and Host says
I love inexpensive 🙂
Keri says
Kim, what a fantastic way to dress up a vase!! Lovely repurpose!!
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Thanks Keri!
Laura Lane says
Great project!
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Thanks Laura