Freedom Archives - Kathy by Design

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