Quick, Easy Summer Banner

When I recently sorted through my extensive collection of vintage linens to de-stash and make room for all the gorgeous linens I inherited from my mom, I came across a set of eight vintage silk-screened pieces I purchased at an estate sale sale in the early '80s.

I'd always planned to use them to embellish handmade pillows or aprons or to create a table runner. Well, that was nearly 30 years ago!

The silk-screen artist featured Indian Paintbrush, Harebell, Wild Geranium and Brown-Eyed Susan on a linen-like fabric that has dainty fringed edges. One of the pieces has a tag on the back that reads:  Hand Silk Screened by Jeanne Perkins. She signed each of the prints with a "P."

I adore the fresh look a nice, handmade banner can add to living space--indoors or outdoors. These pieces seemed perfect for a pretty spring/summer banner.

Getting good photos of the banner in front of the bright window where I hung it was difficult so I took an outdoor shot to better showcase the vibrant color of the pretty flowers.

I trimmed the banner with a variety of antique and vintage lace and strung the pieces on thick hemp cord.

This simple project only took about an hour to complete.

All in all, a banner hour of my life.

Make it a great day!

Linking to:

Share It Sunday

Nifty Thrifty Sunday
Share It One More Time
A Bouquet of Talent Party

Make It Pretty Monday
You're Gonna Love It Tuesday
Show and Share
Knick of Time Tuesday
Cottage Style Party
What's It Wednesday

Springtime at the Garden Gate

Many years ago I picked up a vintage garden gate at a garage sale.

Then, a few years ago, I found what looked like architectural salvage at Hobby Lobby--in the clearance aisle. There were three big pieces and I bought them all. They're probably not meant for outdoor use, as they appear to be made of plaster.

When I moved the garden gate to the front of the house a couple of years ago, I positioned one of the architectural pieces behind it to add interest. The gate sits up against the house and under the eaves, so the piece is protected from the elements. I took in over the winter the first year, but have since left it behind the gate year-round and it still looks to be in good condition.

Over the years I decorated it with different wreaths for the changing seasons.

Frankly, though, I'm not a wreath person. I've tried. I really have. Different sizes, shapes, materials. They just don't do anything for me. So, this year I decided to look for something different for spring/summer.

Saturday, when my hubby and I were at one of my favorite church sales of the year, I found what I thought could be the answer. This vintage aluminum pitcher caught my eye and I instantly visualized it full of pretty plants and hanging from the garden gate. The church lady told me this pitcher had actually come from the very old church's kitchen and had been used countless times to serve ice water at church events. How sweet.

A small digression . . . 

This church sale is one of my favorites because it's also a plant sale. Members of the congregation offer up plants from their own gardens every year. The most expensive plants are $3 each. Many are less than that. Some are smallish, but, as you can see from the photo below, many are quite large. Here are the plants I took home this year--all for only $16.

Back to the garden gate . . .

The pitcher is now filled with pretty color that stands out nicely against our house. For my taste, a more interesting solution than a wreath.

Now, for a cool drink of seasonal color . . .

Make it a great day!

Linking to:

Nifty Thrifty Things

Inspiration Monday

Inspire Me Monday
Make It Pretty Monday
May Garden Party
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Knick of Time Tuesday
You're Gonna Love It Tuesday
Cottage Style Garden Party
What's It Wednesday
Thursday Favorite Things
Time Travel Thursday
Fishtail Cottage 2014 Garden Party
From the Farm Blog Hop

Cool Blues; National Photo Month, Day 20

Old-fashioned bachelor buttons. An instant step back in time to:

Grandma's garden
On hot summer days

Chasing butterflies and
mystical fireflies

Brewed iced tea and
fresh radish sandwiches

Tire swings, teeter totters,
skipping rope and hopscotch

Windows thrown wide open,
Laundry on the line

Mornings in the kitchen
Evenings on the porch

Make it a great day!

Linking to:

Cure for the Common Monday
Simple Things Sunday
Cowgirl Up at The Farmhouse Porch