Are you ready to celebrate the 4th of July? Today I’m sharing how I made some patriotic decorations out of wooden blocks. I bring these out in May before Memorial Day and leave them up through most of July.
In my previous life, before I created jewelry and started blogging, I sold vintage collectible children’s books on eBay. There’s a long story behind that, too, but I did it while we were homeschooling and we owned a LOT of books! The girls and I went to every library sale we could find. I would even buy books that were falling apart if I loved the text and illustrations in them.
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That’s where these illustrations came from. (Don’t worry, I didn’t cut up a book still in good condition!) They were from an old reader that had a worn-through cover and looked like it had been used as a coloring book by a toddler. But I was able to save a lot of great illustrations!
I bought the blocks in graduated sizes from a craft store, cut scrapbook paper to fit, and decoupaged it on with ModPodge. Then I trimmed some of my favorite illustrations from the reader to fit one side on each block and decoupaged them on, too.
Now they take their place just before each Memorial Day and stay up until after July 4th with all my other vintage patriotic decor. And I still have just a ‘few’ vintage books in my collection, too.
More DIY Patriotic Decorations
- How to Make a Fun 4th of July Banner Out of Old Blue Jeans
- The Lazy Girl’s Guide to 4th of July Decorations
- 14 Ideas to Decorate Your Yard for a 4th of July Party
- 7 Vintage 4th of July Paper Crafts
These were also featured in Somerset Holidays and Celebrations!
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Originally published on May 10, 2017.
Cathy says
I love these and I love that you recycled old books. Such a cute idea. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy
Beverly says
What a fun way to dress up those blocks! I love the vintage look. Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle. Pinning.
Linda says
A fun and cute project. love your project. Thanks for sharing at DI&DI.
angie church says
so very nice, great vintage patriotic look
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Theresa @DearCreatives says
Love the blocks! Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. See you again soon.
Terry Mc says
LOVE your blocks!! I collect old books also, but just can’t bring myself to cut them up yet! I’m going to have to look back through mine to see if I can find any patriotic pics.