Gearing Up for Canada Day!


2006
Canada Day is just around the corner and we are looking forward to it as always. My 'little' girl just turned 10 and as soon as that birthday rolls around I know our next big celebration is not far away.




Last week I got out my trusty ole fence boards and made a new sign for the mantle. Yes, I still have those hideous Canadian Tire sconces and the tile fireplace. They are closer up to the top of my hit list than they are on Mr. CF's hit list. Sigh. 



Start by selecting old fence boards from your carefully cataloged and meticulously stored stock from under the deck. I screwed two flat pieces of scrap board vertically to the back to join the boards.


Our flag has a 1:2 ratio and the centre white square is the dimensions of the height of the flag. I was happy to learn this when making this sign; I'll be sure to get that right on my future mini flags! My boards measure 17x33. Technically it should be 34" wide, but I didn't want to trim the weathered boards and lose the perfectly aged ends. I used a clip art flag and enlarged it in PS Elements to get the right size for the maple leaf. It took 3 pieces of letter sized paper taped together to get the right size. Then I just printed and transferred it with graphite paper.



Following Funky Junk Donna's tutorial here I painted a bright first coat.



Followed by two coats of outdoor latex. I plan to hang this on our fence after it's had it's run on the mantle.


I let it dry for a couple of days and then took the mouse sander to it. I love how the turquoise peeks through.


I haven't ever done a Canada Day mantle, so I am now going to be on the lookout for some vintage red/white bits. For now I went with what I had on hand: a woodsy camping theme.


 I love the vintage trailer art of Paige Bridges and chose this print as it was closest to the 1964 made-in-Alberta TeePee that I grew up camping in. (The same trailer I'm peeking out of with the birthday cake at the top of my blog) The vintage Winnebago motorhome was one of two that I got from my dear neighbour friend across the street.



My Dad, sister and I, 1970, in front of our TeePee. This campground was a favourite -- except for the knee high red ant nests that crawled with activity. I still remember those vividly.

I have had this tree, birdhouse and the same photo in the fish frame for at least 20 years. The photo is one of my absolute favourites and here is why...






My dad is in the beanie, neighbour Harold sports wool pants and no shirt, my great grandmother, Eliza Anne, does her best Granny Clampett impersonation about five years before they first aired in 1952, and my dear Aunt Marlene takes the cake. My eldest niece at age 12 hit it spot on when she exclaimed that Marlene looked just like Margaret from Dennis the Menace! I am happy to report that Marlene is still full of mischief today. :)

I've got a few more perches to decorate in the house before July 1st is upon us. School will be out in a week and summer will be here! There is nothing better. :)

Thank you for stopping by!

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37 comments

  1. Tracy - love the flag! Great job,
    Peggy

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  2. I love your flag, and your whole mantelscape, too! Lovely stories behind each and every item. I've got a few signs to make, and love the way you pieced your boards. I'll have to give it a try. I'm glad you showed the paint technique. I saw it on Donna's blog, but had forgotten how much I like the vintage look it creates. Now, only 4 days left of my vacation and I haven't even stepped foot in the room I planned to prime this week! Oh, well, I got to spend quality time with both grandkids!

    The photo of your daughter is adorable!!!

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  3. I love your flag - was looking at all the U.S. flags thinking I wish I saw a Canadian one. Think I'll have to get my trusty fence boards out!!! Where did you get the graphic?

    Also would love for you to share this on our All Star Block Party blog hop - linking on one gets you seen on 5 blogs!

    http://newhousenewhomenewlife.blogspot.ca/2012/06/all-stars-block-party-blog-hop-3.html

    As a fellow Canadian blogger, I try to link up with as many Canadians as possible - glad I found you.

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  4. perfect distressing! your newest follower!

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  5. Wow, what a great job you did on the flag sign. I too enjoy the turquoise peeking out and you distressed it beautifully. Love that it'll hang on the fence next. That picture is too perfect. You cracked me up about Granny Clampett and your Aunt looking like Dennis the Menace. Oh my gosh, you nailed it with both descriptions. I cracked up! Isn't it cool that you have those pictures with the trailer in them from back in the day. So fun.
    Liz

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  6. I love the way your flag turned out! It looks great! And I love that vintage Winnebago. Thanks for linking up to the All Star Block Party!

    Holly

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  7. LOVE, Love your camp themed mantel! Charming.
    I'm a new follower and hope you'll stop by, Mary Alice

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  8. I'm another host of the All Star Block Party loving your "old" sign. You did such a great job! And I LOVE all of your "vintage" photos. I'm 47 years old and appear in some of my own vintage photos too, ha. In fact, I have a motorcycle one similar to yours. I love your blog and am a new follower!

    Shasta @InTheOldRoad

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  9. What a great post! Hello from Toronto!

    That sign turned out wonderfully, with just enough distressing.

    Your stories brought a smile to my face.

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  10. Oh my... where was this amazing flag when I built my post?! I'm switching out the one on my post and featuring yours instead. Hope you don't mind. :) (love the layering!!!!)

    Shared on FJI Facebook and pinned for SNS 140. :)

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151006539156141&set=a.192514281140.164586.175378011140&type=1&theater

    Donna

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  11. This is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!! It's so nice to see some beautiful Canada Day creations!! Gosh I love this!!

    I would really be HONORED if you shared this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
    http://thediydreamer.blogspot.ca/2012/06/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-21.html

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  12. This is just truly beautiful... I loved the layering of the colors and the whole shelfscape is gorgeous..Just beautiful

    I'm a new follower =)
    Thanks for sharing at the ALL STARS BLOCK PARTY
    Carri
    simplydonewright.blogspot.com

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  13. Hi Tracy,
    I echo all the other comments....you created a gorgeous flag!! I love the layering of colors and how you distressed it. It is stunning!!
    Jane

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  14. Me again....I just realized I was not following....I got that changed. Have a wonderful weekend.
    Jane

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  15. HI, I found my way here via Funky Junk Interior's SNS and love your Canada Day board flag. I love discovering other Canadian bloggers. I am now following and plan to put your blog in my Canadian bloggers list on my sidebar. Enjoy your weekend and the upcoming Canada Day.

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  16. look at you being featured on funky junk! way to go my girl!! xo

    http://www.NorthernCottage.net

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  17. I love this! It's so nice to see some Canadian stuff this time of the year! I'm a new follower too!

    Sarah
    {http://www.naptimedelights.blogspot.com}

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  18. LOVE THIS..my family just relocated from Texas to Calgary...I need to make one of these!

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  19. Another great Canadian flag! You and your hubby do some great woodworking. (love the birdhouse and 'swing'!) Your blog is great! I love Canada! Blessings, Pamela (in New Brunswick!)

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  20. I love you flag...so many options. I've pinned it.

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  21. Another Canadian chiming in! I love this! What a fantastic piece for your mantel, yard, etc. There are so many Fourth of July projects popping up so it's wonderful to see such a beautiful Canadian patriotic project :O)

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  22. Love your flag- it's darling! Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!!

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  23. This flag is fantastic! I love that you used reclaimed wood and thanks for sharing your transfer method. I will have to pick some of that paper up. I tried a few methods out but this sounds super easy! Thanks for sharing and I'm going to pin this project!

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  24. love your flag and love the camping touches on your mantle. Both My hubby and I we're born and raised in the Black Hills of So.Dak. and did the camping and Lots of fishing...MY hubby did a boy scout tip to Canada. Lots of Canoeing ....Looks like your daughter is a redhead...so tell her from a redhead in Texas....and to you do....Hi

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  25. What a beautiful job - just may have to copy that!
    Your newest follower - would love to have you drop
    by and follow back!
    Hugs from Montreal
    Suzan

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  26. This is the coolest mantle ever! I'm so glad I found your blog. It's such a happy place, and I look forward so much to visiting it each time you post. Like you, I love that I'm in my own vintage photographs. I believe that us 50 (somethings) are just beginning to develop our lovely vintage patinas!

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  27. Love your flag and how it turned out! Thanks for sharing this wonderful post on Simple & Sweet Fridays...


    Jody

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  28. Hi Tracy - just wanted to let you know that you've been featured on the All Star Block Party. Head on over to grab your button!!

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  29. Hello Tracy, Congrats on being featured on Simple & Sweet Fridays. You did a fantastic job!


    Jody

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  30. I just found your link on Common Ground and your Canadian flag is amazing!

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  31. Love your Canadian flag.
    I also love your vintage photographs, looks like much fun was had by all.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Michele

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  32. I love your flag. I am going to make one for next years celebration. I'll have to go buy some wood to start with as I don't have a stash like you do. Happy Canada Day from California.

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  33. I love the little bit of blue showing thru the red. Love Canada. Have been to the west side many times, now hoping to get up to the East coast.

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  34. Great job!!! I totally LOVE IT!

    http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/

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  35. So in between cutting up fence and making way too many Home Depot runs {I'm at the Depot way to often}, I built another table top. Can it be one of my favorites? Yes. Yes, I think it can.
    pvc fence

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