Memorial Day Patriotic Banner: Memories from the Past
Hello, Friends! Today is Memorial Day: a time to remember and honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. It’s a somber day, but a joyous one as well, as we celebrate the freedom that sacrifice provided to us as Americans. Now, more than ever, it’s good to remember the price that was paid for our freedom. It is a thing to be cherished, guarded and appreciated every day of the year. Coming from a family where my brothers and dad served our country, I am thankful.
Growing up in Vermont, Memorial Day meant rising early to pick lilacs. The fragrant blooms were still heavy with dew as we gently laid them in a laundry basket to carry home. Then the work of arranging them in big fan-shaped metal urns began. Once that task was finished, we drove over to the family cemetery plot where we placed them on the graves of family members who had served. We always brought along a bucket, soap and a scrub brush along with gardening tools so we could clean up the graves. It sounds morbid, but I loved this tradition. It was heavenly to breathe in the scent of those glorious lilacs as we worked in the warmth of the sun under the bright blue sky.
After that, we would travel to the main street in our small town to observe the Memorial Day Parade. Cars filled with Gold Star Mothers, a few marching bands, civic groups and Shriners filled the street for about 30 minutes. Then we all traveled up to the Warm Memorial in the park where a prayer of gratitude was offered by local clergy. As a wreath was placed on the memorial, someone always played “Taps” on the trumpet. The haunting notes of that melody always left me with goosebumps and a tear in my eye. How I miss those wonderful traditions!
Memorial Day Patriotic Banner: Tips and Tricks
Banners are one of my absolute favorite things to make. I just wish they weren’t so hard to photograph! But I think you can easily see that this red, white and blue beauty made with Authentique Paper’s Liberty Collection is filled with lots of fun details. While I don’t have a tutorial, I will share some tips and tricks with you.
- Begin by cutting the banner pieces from red ticking canvas. Use the Eileen Hull House Die for this step. Lay the die on the fabric and cut around it with scissors. Use the large die for the outer pennant, then trace around the inside of that die for the natural canvas.
- Next, cut red glitter paper using the smaller die from the set. To create the perforated edge, trim half the die cut holes using a pair of scissors.
- Create smaller pennants with Graphic 45 ATC tags. Cut covers for the tags with the G45 ATC Die.
- Rosettes are a must on a patriotic banner. Cut designer paper with the Tim Holtz Sizzix Rosette Die. Top with buttons.
Memorial Day Patriotic Banner: Finishing Touches
- Cut a 2 yard section of 1 1/2″ wide Royal Blue Plaid Ribbon.
- Arrange the pennants along the ribbon. Hold them in place with binder clips.
- Now stitch the pieces onto the ribbon. I added a border of White Ruffled Ribbon stitched with Red Zig Zag Ribbon in the center.
- Next, tie bows between the pennants with Scarlet Checkerboard Satin Ribbon.
- Then add images and flowers to finish the banner.
How do you celebrate Memorial Day? I know this is not a typical year, but if it was, what would you be doing? A trip to the beach? Family picnic? Back yard barbecue? I’d love to hear your memories of Memorial Day past, and how you intend to honor the day this year.
Winner of my YouTube Throwback Thursday Giveaway
And, today is the day I announce the winner of my YouTube Throwback Thursday giveaway! The randomly chosen comment came from Crafty Carolina Gal. Please contact me at kathybydesign@hotmail.com with your address so I can ship your goodies off to you!
Wishing you all a blessed, happy and safe Memorial Day!
Cheerio,
kathy
SUPPLY LIST
- Authentique Liberty Collection Pack (retired) but you can Pre-Order this new Authentique 4th of July Collection.
- Eileen Hull House/Pocket Stitchlets Die (retired)
- Tim Holtz Thinlets Rosette Set
- Ribbon
- Buttons and Flowers from my stash
- Red Ticking and Canvas from the fabric store
Just got a chance to comment on your delightful banner, Kathy. I always enjoy seeing what your next banner looks like. This one surely doesn’t disappoint–especially like the rich, patriotic colors. Also enjoyed your Memorial Day stories. They certainly sound familiar. We continue to go to the local cemetery to put flowers on family graves. There’s something special about those moments. tfs-Hugs. Stay well.
Luved your Memorial Day banner! Your banners are always always amazing! And luv your Memorial Day past traditions. In the past we always had backyard pitch-ins with the grandkids either riding our mules or bringing their go carts to ride! Later on a group of us would go to the cemetery to make sure flags were up and stones were cleaned up and weeds were pulled. Last year was totally different …and no pitch-in this year either, thanks to the virus. Be safe. And congrats to your winner! Hugs, Suzy Q
Your banners are always spectacular!! This one is no exception. Great work Kathy! Happy Memorial Day to you my U.S. friend.
The first feature that grabs my attention is the generous use of brightly colored ribbons on this patriotic banner…beautiful! I agree…red, white and blue rosettes are a mandatory element. This project has such a vintage style to it…nothing “modern” to be seen. This banner embodies all the words and memories you so artfully included in this posting. My best memories of Memorial Day stem from my family participating in the massive volunteer effort of “planting” flags at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA. The project was organized by local Boy Scout leaders. We started, with my son as a Cub Scout, and continued for 8 years, until he graduated high school. Flag planting began at 6AM on Saturday and was finished by 11AM. What a breathtaking sight!! 20,000 graves decorated to honor their service…still makes my heart skip a few beats. .Land of the free because of the brave! Thank you for posting this gorgeous tribute project,,,and for including your heartfelt words.
It was such a joy reading through your post today, Kathy! I love how recall each individual memory! Your banner turned out absolutely gorgeous!!! As usual, I love each and every little detail about it. Have a beautiful Memorial Day, my friend!!!!
I love Americana and this creation is over the top! Our den’s been decorated with Uncle Sam’s, Miss Liberty’s and flags for over 30 years. I’ve gotten very picky about what I put in there now and this is a ‘Must Have, Must Make’ item for sure! I continue to be amazed at the imagination you have and manifest through your creations. Happy Memorial Day Kathy!
Kathy, I absolutely love your patriotic themed projects! One can tell how much love and emotion you put into making them. I always look forward to this time of year to see what wonderful creations you will design. You know how much I like your banners. This one is fabulous! The ribbons, buttons, flowers and rosettes are gorgeous! I must try making those sometime. Also those images are so sweet and patriotic. I loved your story about your family tradition to celebrate this day with love and respect for those that have gone on before us. Thank you for sharing ! Have a wonderful Memorial Day! Hugs!
WOWZER thats beautiful! In this dreary time Its so cheerful.
This is beautiful Kathy! How I will miss the parade in our town today and hugging my elderly neighbor that served. Somehow a wave doesn’t quite do it. Be well, stay safe. xoxoxo
Amazing workmanship! Kathy your narrative has brought many memories of past Memorial days and stories told. It is always good to remember both. Your banner is so spectacular and certainly does justice to the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who served and are serving. You have created a beautiful creation to honor them and this special occasion. Thank You to a wonderfully kind and talented person!