Monday, May 16, 2011

DIY Monogram Garden Flag

I acquired some new plants over the past week or so, and I've been brainstorming ideas to dress up the outdoor areas of our home. Inspired by my friend Kelli and her homemade garden flag, I decided to test my DIY skills and make my own!


My Supplies:























  • 1/2 yard outdoor fabric from JoAnn's
  • 1/2 yard raspberry ribbon for trim
  • Coordinating threads
  • Smooth Heat Transfer Material from Silhouette
I chose outdoor fabric for its durability, although it is quite a bit pricier than regular fabric. JoAnn's carries it for 19.99 a yard, but it was on sale for 40% off. I spent $6.00 on 1/2 a yard, and used a coupon for the ribbon.

Math has never been something I excel at or even like in the slightest, so I tend to eyeball things. This occasionally saves me time without ending in skewed results.

I started by using one of my old garden flags as a rough template and marked off about where I needed to trim the fabric.  Next, I folded both sides of my rectangle over twice to really finish the edges and keep them from fraying. I pressed the seams and pinned them down before running everything through my sewing machine. I did the same with what would become the bottom of the flag.
























To make the "tube" for the flag pole to run through, I did another double seam on the top and folded it down before sewing it. Then I ended up with a nice, plain rectangle flag.
























Nice, but kind of "meh."



I used my Silhouette SD machine to create a little monogram design, being careful to mirror the image before printing:



















I laid the design down with my ribbon before ironing the transfer material down and sewing the ribbon on.























I'm loving the new addition to my front walk!


If you're looking for more fun outdoor decor or entertaining ideas, stop by Centsational Girl for the Fair Weather Forum!

Also linking to Tutorial Tuesday., Positively Splendid


**Also, if you haven't been by to check out Amy's Summer Survival Guide at Positively Splendid, you must! Amy's blog is full of inspiring projects and eye candy. I'm sharing one of my very, very favorite recipes today: Chocolate Picnic Cake. It has a few unconventional ingredients, but it is a big hit at summer get-togethers. Please leave me some comment love at Amy's if you have a chance!**

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35 comments:

  1. Mindy@FindingSilverLiningsMay 16, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Adorable! I always wanted a cute flag for my home, but all of the ones I've found were lame (like Micky Mouse or teddy bears). This is pretty & modern. Love it.
    xo
    Mindy

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  2. HollyMay 16, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    I love it! What a neat idea!

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  3. Richmond ThrifterMay 16, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    AMANDA!!! That is AMAZING! Those colors together are one of my latest favs!!! So pretty! And that fabric is to die for!!! Great job!

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  4. SusanMay 16, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    What a pretty flag! I ADORE the fabric you chose. It works well with the pink!

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  5. AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    LOVE this! The pink is so cute in contrast to the turquoise & white. I love it, what an eye catcher :-)

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  6. Prudently Painted VintageMay 16, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    I love this! The pink and greenish blue look amazing together. I want that fabric. I hope they have some at my Jo-anns!!!

    Man do I wish I had a silhouette :(

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  7. FrouFrouBritchesMay 16, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Amanda, that is PRECIOUS! I love the addition of the pink ribbon at the top. It gives it just a little extra something. Love it!

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  8. DawnMay 16, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    so cute! love the colors together-very bright and springy-and the monogram! i used to have a garden flag stand when we lived in our townhouse-i'll have to see if i still have it thanks for sharing-love it!

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  9. StephanieMay 16, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    It is not "meh" at all, it is adorable! And best of all, no one else will have one!

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  10. ErickaMay 16, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Wow! Super cute! One of these days I am going to opening my sewing machine, I swear!

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  11. staci @ lizard n ladybugMay 16, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    It looks great!!
    I saw Kelli's too & I want to make one for our yard.

    I love the colors you picked!

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  12. Megan // Honey We're HomeMay 16, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    That is seriously cute Amanda! I love the cheery colors you chose- so fun!

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  13. ElsaMay 16, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    It looks great! Definitely a project to try with some leftover outdoor fabric I've got laying around.

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  14. Kelli WMay 16, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    Amanda your flag is so cute! I love the fabric you used! I bought some cute outdoor fabric the other day and you are right...it can be expensive! I love the monogram you added! I wish I could figure out how to make my Cricut do that:) I check out your cake at Amy's and now I want some!

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  15. lindsayMay 16, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    Too cute, love it!

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  16. HollyMay 16, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    Cute, Amanda! I like your color choices.

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  17. CathyMay 16, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Looks great Amanda! Are you taking orders?

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  18. The Mommy TherapyMay 16, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    Very cute and looks like it's actually do-able!

    I bet this makes the whole front look fantastic. Very impressive!

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  19. ErinMay 16, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    I love that fabric--I actually bookmarked it as a "maybe buy?" from fabric.com just last week. :) The turquoise and white is really striking!

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  20. Simply LKJMay 16, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    I love it Amanda! The fabric is awesome. And, I love the hot pink you added. What a great pop of color.

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  21. Paula@SweetPeaMay 16, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    I love it! You are sure to get bunches of compliments on this when you friends come to visit. I like that it is personalized, is made of a unique fabric, and is colorful.

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  22. the workaholic mommaMay 16, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    I LOVE this - how awesome. Thanks so much for sharing - another reason I need a silhouette machine:0)

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  23. LindyMay 16, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    I love your flag. The monogram is a cool idea and the colors are great!

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  24. Kirsty GirlMay 17, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Awesome idea Amanda!

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  25. Kate Riley May 17, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    Oh, how original! I love your fabric choice, and ahem, that color combo looks a lot like....where have I seen it... oh, your blog design! Bravo on the DIY friend, can't wait to see your link appear on Thurs!
    xo
    Kate

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  26. Richella ParhamMay 17, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Amanda, that is absolutely darling! You did a great job on it. Looks like you're definitely getting your money's worth from your Silhouette!

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  27. Amy @ 11MagnolialaneMay 17, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    What a great idea. I love garden flags (mine just blew away)...and I love seeing all these great uses for a Silhouette. They just get better and better!

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  28. ColeyMay 17, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Too cute! I love how the raspberry pops against the teal!

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  29. StephanieMay 17, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    This is so so SO cute! I have to try the heat transfer material!

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  30. La-Dee-da crafterMay 18, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    I have always wanted to make one of these. Thanks for the turtorial. yours is sooo cute!!!

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  31. La-Dee-da crafterMay 18, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    Ok, Now I need to mention to my hubby that I need a Silhouette next. Or maybe I will just send him to your blog and have him see what FAB projects it can do.
    ladeedacreations.com

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  32. KatieMay 1, 2012 at 9:48 PM

    Love your monogrammed garden flag. I've thought about making a garden flag of my own--you've inspired me to keep thinking about it! lol.

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  33. KatieMay 1, 2012 at 9:48 PM

    Love your monogrammed garden flag. I've thought about making a garden flag of my own--you've inspired me to keep thinking about it! lol.

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  34. Recipes We LoveMay 12, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Love this!!! The one I bought on vacation last year is really faded so I totally need to do this!!!

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