Americana Style is Childs Play!

A couple of weeks ago I was visiting the blog of a gal who lives just down the road from me.  Shirley from, Zetta's Aprons.  Using her recent Ferris Wheel find she had created a fun vintage circus (Coney Island) display for the 4th. 

Love, love that Ferris Wheel!

Immediately I thought, “She needs one of my tops"!”  I have collected tin toys for quite a few years.  Four years ago my older sis, Dolores was down sizing and gave me more toys for my collection.  I have 5 tin tops and two of them were the same.

I told Shirley that I wanted to bring one to her and she graciously said that she would come to my home and pick it up.

Yesterday morning I went up to get the top and I noticed that alot of the toys were the perfect colors for the 4th of July.

I decided to do a display on my family room mantle.  The cute accordion I found at a thrift store for $5 and I’ve had the Bazooka tin for years.  I needed some height so I added the jar of poker chips. Wishing I had an old bicycle wheel like Carlene’s from  Organized Clutter. The other items were from my sis.  Notice the little VW hiding behind the soldier? 

I added my U.S.A. letters behind what has been one of America’s favorite past times for years – baseball.  The capital quiz game is so fun.  I need to practice up with it.  When we were traveling to Portugal from Spain to pass time we tried to name all of the states and their capitals.  I was a little rusty.

Today I decided that I needed a banner to hang from the mantle.  A few years ago my friend, Ann gave me a paper one that I had never used.  I thought it would be fun to doll it up a little.  I pulled from my craft stash and didn’t have to buy a thing.  Don’t you love it when you can create without spending money?

I tried to carry on the toy theme by adding bits and pieces like the Rummikub tile and the skate key.  I always pick up old Scrabble games just for the tiles.

A long time ago my sister, Jeanne traveled to Washington D.C.  She brought me home a book of postcards.  They worked perfect!

I love the touch of crepe paper and the vintage earring.

I had to decorate one of the pennants with cherries to tie in with my table décor.

Now I bet you’re wondering if I created this in my new craft room.  Nope, we have a problem.  We can’t get my craft table through the door.  :(  Hubby is going to take the legs off this weekend.  No easy task.  It’s an old laundry table with tons of nails.

Here’s the entire mantle.  A little busy, but then what kids don’t make a mess when they play? lol!  Now I just hope the grandies don’t try to climb up there.

And before I go, I’d like you to meet Shirley.  I was so happy to finally meet her in person.

I think she’s pretty tickled with her new (old) top!  She’s very creative and makes some wonderful vintage style crafts.  She’d love if you came and visited her!

Hugs,

Jann

p.s.  go here: Share Your Cup to check out my summer give away.

I will be sharing with these fun parties:

Rooted in thyme for Simple and Sweet Fridays

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday

One More Time Events for Share it One More Time

Sunday View for Inspired Sunday

A Pinch of Joy for Busy Monday

Knick of Time Tuesday

Flusters Creative Muster

The Dedicated House for Anything Blue Friday

Common Ground for Be Inspired Patriotic Party