I have a blank spot I needed to fill so I decided to create some string art. I remember seeing a valentine decoration by ArtsyFartsyMama.com that attached little hearts to what looked like a clothesline with miniature clothespins. I loved the miniature clothespins. Let’s face it, I love pretty much anything miniature.

I decided to create my own patriotic version. I found a box of miniature clothespins in LOTS of colors at Hobby Lobby. There are 240 little clothespins and the box was $19.99. I used a 40% off coupon so it was only $11.99. I didn’t need that many for this project so I have a ton left for other projects. The white canvas board was a Dollar Tree find for $1. The patriotic pieces I attached to the clothespins are actually stickers. I love these Patriotic stickers by PaperStudio. I probably always have either the large or miniature version of their patriotic stickers in my sticker stash because I love to use them in my planner. I get them when they go on sale at Hobby Lobby for 50% off. The twine was purchased at either Hobby Lobby or Dollar Tree. I have some in my stash from both places.

Next to the canvas is Dollar Tree patriotic tin with an Ikea potted plant. I can’t decide whether or not to put the canvas in a frame. For now, I am going to leave it. What do you think?

Most of these things I already had on hand. I purchased several patriotic things from the Dollar Tree recently. I am trying really hard to use things I have “on hand” right now because while buying and storing craft supplies might be a worthwhile hobby, there is only so much room in the budget and the craft room before it is way out of control.

These apothecary jars sit on a table in my hallway. Some seasons are easier than others when it comes to finding inexpensive things to use for filler. I have a box of red, white, and blue supplies and switch things up from year to year. This year I put a strand of garland in the large jar. In the medium jar, I layered red, white, and blue wrapping filler, and I filled the smaller jar with tabletop scatter. This has been an inexpensive way to decorate for the holidays and my grandchildren look forward to seeing the changes each season.

I love this time of year! I pull out my patriotic decorations and leave them up for several months. This week, I am going to post simple decorations as I get them out and ready for Memorial Day.  I enjoy knowing they will stay up through most of July.