Olympics, Election - It's Americana

When Dan and I were first married in 1969, the color trends were avocado green, gold and orange.  Those were not my color preferences.  For the most part, I have been an Americana kind of decorator for many years.  Red, white and blue have always been one of my favorite color combinations in home decor and clothing.  Don't ask me why, I couldn't really tell you.  I just love the way the colors go together and of course, they are the colors of our country's flag.  Thanks you Betsy Ross.

Since this is an Olympic year (and who doesn't love the Olympics), and also a national election year, I decided to go Americana in my summer accessories.  Last summer I went with a beach look, lots of shells and aqua blues and that look makes me happy.  But this year, I wanted to celebrate the summer Olympics.  Of course, this weekend is Memorial Day, then there is Flag Day and the Fourth of July coming up - so red, white and blue it is!

I like muted colors so I used a barn red fabric, ivory and navy blue for the banner I made for our fireplace.  I stitched some of the red and ivory together in 2 inch strips to represent the red and white stripes of our flag.  The navy was stenciled with ivory stars to represent the field of stars on our flag.  The banners are 8 inches long by 6 inches wide.  Really simple to do.  Using a hot glue gun, I glued the banners to a piece of sisal twine and attached it to the mantel with some push pins.

The plaque on the mantel was painted on an unfinished cabinet door I found at the Habitat for Humanity store for $5.00.  Actually, I bought lots of these doors in different sizes.  They are cheaper than buying unfinished wood at the craft store.  Just something for you to keep in mind and it helps a great cause when you buy things there.

The plaque says "with liberty and justice for all" which I took from our pledge of allegiance.  I turned the door sideways and then painted the top and bottom edge a barn red color, the two end pieces navy blue and the middle panel an ivory color.  The stars were stenciled in ivory using the same stencil I used for the flag panels.  After painting on the words from the pledge, I waxed the entire panel with Annie Sloan clear wax and then went over it with Annie Sloan dark wax.  If you have never used her products, they are amazing!   The wax gives the plaque an aged look that I really like.

I don't know about you, but I get really excited when it is an Olympic year, especially the summer olympics.  While the national election and politics sadly seems to be very divisive to our country, the Olympics brings out the best in our country, and the world, for a few short weeks.  Cheering on everyone who has dedicated their lives and bodies to the very best they can be is something we can ALL appreciate and politics are put aside.  I have so much admiration for all of the participating athletes!

Isn't it interesting that the host country is England, the country we declared our independence from in 1776?  Just another reason to celebrate the red, white and blue this year!   Can't wait to see what records are broken and who wins medals.  Hurray for the Olympic spirit.

Everyday Donna

Things to Remember:

There is something in the Olympics, indefinable, springing from the soul, that must be preserved.    Chris Brasher