Watermelon Wreath

 I've seen versions of this wreath around for a year now.  One of my friends threw a watermelon themed birthday for her daughter last year, so we discussed some pins (it turned out super cute).  I'm going on GMT next week, and I was tasked with bringing some summer themed wreaths, so this was one of my choices.  My goal is to show several different techniques for making some easy wreaths.

 My favorite part of this wreath is that you can find these wreath frames at the Dollar Tree.  You can also find them at craft stores, but....not for a buck.  You could use scraps, but....I decided to just buy a few yards of fabric (one of each to be exact).  I did a version of this a few years ago for Halloween.  That post lives here.

 I cut the fabric into about half inch by 4 inch pieces.  You can make it longer for a fluffier wreath.  I then just started tying on my pieces.

 Green all around the outside (you'll fluff them later).

Once I had a row of green, I did the light pink, and then (last) two rows of bright pin, with a few black throw in for 'seeds.'  I did the black ones at the end after I had fluffed out the fabric tied on to space the 'seeds' out evenly.  It's certainly not a difficult wreath-but it takes awhile (an hour + to tie all the fabric onto the frame), so....my dog and I watched episodes we recorded from Shark Week!  The only key is to tie it close to the middle of the ribbon, but once you do a few, you will get the hang, and if any are just totally uneven, pull it off and tie again, or just trim the longer end!

Watermelon Card

 I recently bought a box of polka dot cards from Hobby Lobby.  They were on sale, so I got them for 5 dollars, which was a total steal.  I decided to make as many of my own cards this year as possible.  I have so many scrapbooking supplies I need to actually start using!  Of course, every time I buy a card, I end up going and buying more stuff to bedazzle it, so....at least the recipient is getting a one of a kind card even though my pocketbook hasn't seen the benefits.

 I was recently invited to a watermelon themed birthday party, so I put this little card together.  I found a piece of pink paper (red would work too) and I cut the corners off into a curve.

I used this scalloped circle punch to create a 'bite' out of the top and I cut out some seeds...and added some sparkles.
I stamped a message inside, but....I'm thinking this would work just for a fun summer greeting.

Watermelon Sign

This year I've been working on my 'paintings' projects.  I've wanted to improve my technique for awhile, and I have a friend that does this big time as a hobby, so it was time.  I've been working on Christmas projects, but here is a little summer project I did at the beginning of the season....I still am not comfortable enough to tackle paint/printing....yuck!  

 After cutting out the shape of a water melon slice I painted the center with the color magenta.  I love red water melons, but I adore these hot pink little gals.
After that dried I went around the edges with a holiday green...you don't have to be perfect.  Once THAT dried I took a brush and randomly brushed on the color spring green (a little lighter)....again...it didn't have to be perfect b/c several more layers were on their way!

 I then ran a white line between the green and the pink.  I had some extra white paint and I flicked it on the water melon by using my fingernail and running it along the edge of the brush.  Sometimes I toss it back into my bottle....I did this again later, but there wasn't enough to scoop up too much and I loved the way 'flicked' paint helps finish stuff off.

 I used my circle dabber to put on some 'seeds'...

 I added white lines to the edges and then a squiggly white line around the edge....just so nobody actually things I was trying to paint a straight line...-shudder-perfection will never be a part of my world....

 I went back with black and went along the edge and then again along the white line to reinforce my goal of imperfection.  Mission accomplished.  I flicked more white paint because it's therapeutic.  I did it in my living room while watching nighttime news channels because I live life on the edge like that.

I added a thin wire through two holes I drilled and ribbon.  ...because a bow makes everything better, just ask my goddaughter-it's a motto she's had to apply since birth regardless of her best efforts to yank it out.  She has nothing to do with this watermelon project...but I like her, and so just like the bow...she makes every post better.

Burlap Watermelon

 I made this burlap door hanging for my Aunt to hang on her door this summer.  I've seen these burlap hangings popping up all over, and I had a little extra burlap and I decided instead of storing it I need to use it up!
I cut out two slices in the shape of a watermelon (I actually cut on the fold so it was one less side to glue later.

 I just used regular paint and a foam brush to add the colors of the watermelon to my slice.  I painted on a trashbag, which helps the paint 'pool' a little and stick better to burlap.  Burlap and screens, I've found, do best when painted on bags or the paint will seep through.

 I used little round dabbers for my seeds.

I used a glue stick to glue the front to the back, but left about 6 inches open on one side....

 I stuffed it with plastic bags to make it 'puff.'

 I added rope and ribbon.  Super easy.

July 4th: Watermelon Frosties

I found the recipe for watermelon frosties here.
You can make two large slushy drinks with these, OR you can fill little lime halfs for an after dinner dessert.  This makes about 20 lime halves.  I love this recipe because so much of it is natural.  I also love it because I always have soooo much watermelon left over, and in doing this, I realized you can actually freeze watermelon and drink it later.  I know, the saying is 'As American as Apple Pie'....but watermelon is actually the treat that accompanies me most frequently on a July 4th picnic....I guess maybe America doesn't have exclusive rights to the watermelon?  (As if we own the apple pie, but don't tell the Apple Pie Quote lovers that...)
OK...I think that covers my thoughts on fruit related patriotism for the moment.  Here's the recipe for Watermelon Frosties
Ingredients:

2 1/4 c. frozen watermelon cubes, 1 1/2 c. water, 2 T. maple syrup, 1 lime squeezed (this is where some of my halves came in, I used the rest for key lime pie).  1 1/2 frozen banana (do NOT leave it in the peel, this was a pain  to get off, just chop it up and freeze it).
\Instructions:  Blend the ingredients.  I then scoop out as much of the innards of the lime, topped with chocolate chips for seeds, and placed these in the freezer until I served. 

Watermelon 5 Cents Screen Door Hanging

 ...and speaking of screens.  I made this one for my summer door.  I saw this original painting design on Gainer's Crafts.  I love this idea b/c watermelon just screams summer to me.  I used a piece of screen, and placed it on top of a trashbag to paint.  This made the paint pool and when it dried it stayed better on the screen. 

 

I'm now out of screen and frames this size, so I guess it's on to a new crafting venue.  

Linking To:  Tickled Pink Sassy Sites Fingerprints on the Fridge Fun to Craft Craft Envy Funky Junk Tatortots and Jello A Vision to Remember Be Different...Act Normal LollyJane

July 4th: Watermelon Cupcakes

I'm sure there are some flavor combinations you could throw together to make an interesting Watermelon Cupcake, but....I just went with vanilla.  I tossed some chocolate chips in the batter to give each cupcake a 'seeded' look. 

I iced these with strawberry icing, so they'd be a little 'fruity.'  I decided to run the edge of the cupcake in green sprinkles (opposed to dying vanilla icing green), and then I tossed on a few mini chips for seeds.  I think these are pretty fun.  I don't think I'll win any prizes for these cupcakes, but....I'm not exactly planning on entering any contest in the near future, so....fun meets my standards for this kitchen exploration!