Making a Patriotic cooler for a 'cool' Picnic. . .

I hope all of my American friends are having a fun 4th of July holiday.
 
As I mentioned before we usually host an outdoor breakfast.  Putting it off for a couple of weeks, but that doesn't mean we can't still have a bit of fun.  :)
 
This morning our youngest daughter, Kylee packed up a picnic basket and we headed to the park for a relaxing lunch.
 


Our son Dalan lives just down the road so she asked him if they wanted to join us.
 
I did very little work.  Kylee planned and packed the entire picnic.  She also made us a yummy fruit pizza for dessert.
 

 
And what was I doing while she was busy in the kitchen?
 
Painting an old cooler like an American flag.

 
I bought this cooler at a yard sale a couple years ago.  It was a bit rustic then, but after sitting out on our deck all summer it was looking pretty sad.
 


You know I love rust, but in this case it wasn't pretty.  lol!
 



I painted the entire top white with some latex paint I had on hand.  Then I taped it off with blue tape.
 



I chose to stencil it because I knew it would be a lot faster.  I did go over it twice.
 


You always want to remove the tape right away.  That way if any paint slipped underneath the tape you can get it off before it dries.  I always dab my loaded stencil brush onto paper towels before applying to the object.
 
I punched a couple of stars out of a recipe card.  Makes a
great stencil.
 
 
After stenciling the blue I added the stars.  I didn't measure, just did them randomly.  It's suppose to be rustic. (wink)
 



When it was all finished I sanded it lightly to give it a
 time worn look.
 


 
We kept it simple.  Went to a park just down the street and made sandwiches right there.  Can you believe we had the entire park all to ourselves?  Kylee made the perfect sandwich with lettuce picked from our garden.


 
My delicious lunch, and of course my favorite; Diet Coke!


Things always go better with Coke, and you know that "you've got a friend in me"!  Love the song lyrics on the cans!!
 
My cute patriotic grandsons, Will and Jack.
 
 
One year old Evan patiently waiting for mama to cut up fruit for him to eat.


Will, motorcycle man.
 

 
Oh to be young and swing high into the sky!



 
Evan is such a happy baby.

 
A bit blurry, but I laughed at how his hair is standing salute.



 
We found a little patriotic friend.  He seemed to be happy crawling up Jacks arm!
 


 
What a wonderful time we had celebrating Independence Day!
 
hugs,
Jann

This post was featured at the Dedicated House for
 Make it Pretty Monday Thank you Kathryn!

It was also featured at Funky Junk Interiors for diy salvaged junk projects  Thanks Donna!

I will be sharing with these fun parties:
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16 comments

Kim said...

It looks as if there was fun to be had by all at your picnic, Jann. I love how you changed that old cooler into a patriotic piece of fun. It is very 'cool'. =) How very sweet Evan is. His happy smile would melt many a heart!

Melissa said...

The cooler turned out great!!

Linda W. said...

Love how you painted the cooler! So very creative! And your grandsons are adorable. What a wonderful family outing.

Art and Sand said...

First of all, I can't believe you had the park to yourself!

The flag on the cooler is wonderful, but it is overshadowed by your adorable grandsons!

Sharon@bluewillowhouse said...

Love your flag cooler. Looks like a great day to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Mary Ann Potter said...

What fun ---- a patriotic cooler, great food, and precious family! I have two grand-babies, Josh and Sophia, and we spent the day with them yesterday, too! Life is good!

Cindy Lou said...

Love your flag cooler! Grandsons are adorable!! Looks like perfect fun!

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

Looks like the perfect way to spend the day. And you have a fabulous keepsake of the day....that great cooler!

Creations By Cindy said...

Jann, that is the cutest cooler EVER! WOW! Love how it turned out. Awe...you all looked like you had so much fun and to be able to enjoy some lettuce from the garden was an extra plus to me! I love all the pictures of your beautiful family. And girlfriend...I love me some Diet Coke! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Hi Jann, looks like a fun time for all! Love the cooler and the quilt, and the kids are adorable too!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Love your ice chest, you really did a good job on it.

Your picnic sounds great and by the photo's everyone enjoyed themselves. You have beautiful grandchildren and oh so cute.

Hugs,
Mary

Unknown said...

You are OH SO clever Jann! I keep a cooler out on our screened porch and I have an idea for it but not the time to carry it out. Your idea is adorable. So happy you had a nice time with family on the Fourth.
Blessings,
Patti

Jeanie said...

Your holiday looked just fabulous! And that cooler is both clever and so beautifully executed! How cheery is that? Now I'll be scouting for a red cooler!

Stacey said...

So sweet Jann! I love the picnic and the painted cooler. The kids are adorable!

Happy Thoughts of Home friend. :)

My thrift store addiction said...

This was such a fun idea Jann--love it! Enjoyed seeing those cute kids too! Thank you for sharing @Vintage Charm!

The Charm of Home said...

What an awesome time! I love that cooler! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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