Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The Feet of the Fourth

It's been a week since the Fourth of July celebration my family held at the beach and it's nice to be home and to have some time to process all of the happenings of the past week.


Every year, the kids vote on which wearable art item they would like to create to add to their annual Fourth of July ensemble.

This year the vote surprised me a bit...they voted for shoes!


And so on the morning of July 4th, we spread out all the paints and supplies and began decorating...






The shoes were found at Target and Walmart with the least expensive being about $5USD.

I was a bit surprised at what a hit the shoes were...


Evidently, these simple canvas shoes are becoming popular again with kids.


I had no clue so I'm thrilled to share this late-breaking trend.  Remember, you heard it here first.

Last year, we made fascinators (read the posts here and here); the year before it was shirts (post is here); the year before that it was shorts (post is here)...preceded by baseball hats (here), and before that, I don't think I was blogging...

By now, they are a walking celebration from head...


To toe!


So when they step out in public, they are quite the patriotic spectacle...



And over the years, we've included all the kids in our building who are vacationing at the beach for the Fourth.

Since I have nine nieces, there's a lot of long hair around.  Last year they tried dyeing their hair red and blue and it made a HUGE mess -- imagine dye all over the tub, walls, bathroom floor...

So when I found this article about chalking hair, I thought we would try it.

We had mixed results...with the blondes or the kids with blond highlights having the best results...


That was the beautiful locks of my niece Katie below...


Who is enjoying a S'more on a Stick made by her Aunt Betsy...


It was another great year, and my oldest niece Carolyn (middle below) flew in from Milwaukee to join us.


And my Dad was there amidst all the mayhem...


But I just realized he didn't have on HIS patriotic shirt.  Funny, it was such a crazy day that I didn't even notice.  

The rest of the week was very, very hot but full of fun and the festive feet went with us wherever we went...



As did Jack...


He's resorted to photo bombing to get some notice amongst all those girls.

I'm back to stitching today and looking forward to making my blog rounds.

Happy Day!

23 comments:

verobirdie said...

The shoes are a great idea!
The first pic is gorgeous

allie aller said...

I've been waiting for you to get back! Looks like another great 4th...love seeing the kids all together!

Laurel's Quill said...

Just great, Susan. What a fun holiday for you! Welcome back!

Mosaic Magpie said...

I have said it before and I will say it again....that is one great looking bunch of kiddos.
Deb

Wendy said...

Love the shoes! What a great way to celebrate and have great family time as well.

Anonymous said...

All those concentration-filled faces - it must have been a cracker of a day!

Gerry Krueger said...

The shoes are just fab... my favorite yet... not much left to decorate now.... maybe body painting? Missed you... Ger

Cari said...

Thanks for sharing your fabulous family!! I love all of the pics. It sure looks like you all had a great time!!

pam ehlers stec said...

I've been looking forward to your annual 4th of July crafting post Susan! I really enjoy reading about the great projects that you do with your adorable nieces and son. It's so funny that you decorated shoes with them this year because that's exactly what I did with my nieces last weekend! We had a great assortment of splattered, painted, doodled and dyed footwear. Compared to my nieces, mine were very austere. I decorated a pair of white converse all stars with black Zentangle doodles all over them. As always, it looks like you had another great family holiday. Welcome back! Pam

Momma Bear said...

you all always look like your having a marvellous time!
It was only Mom and I growing up and holidays were not really celebrated much. I envy your big boisterous family!
as for coloring hair try oil pastels next time they stick to the hair and the bright colors even show up in brunette hair! though it does take a few days to wash out!

Flora in Bothell

Mouse said...

ohhhh those photos are just fab :) i love it when they are altogether and having fun :)
wonder what the choice will be for next year ??
love mouse xxxx

Anne Bloom said...

Precious pictures but I ave one question. Where is the dog from last year? I loved him (I have a Yorkie) and it looked like everyone ad a good time with him!

Susan Elliott said...

Hi Anne,
!!!! His name is Finnegan and he is my sister's dog. He was put in his crate for the fireworks ;) We didn't have a parade around the dock like we did last year so he was at home :( Sorry, next year I'll make sure he makes a cameo appearance...My sister is going to LOVE the fact that you missed her dog!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I was waiting for this post. I had a bet with myself for what you would decorate this year. My secret guess was flip flops so I was close. Gosh, the girls are really growing up.

Nice to have you back.
xx, Carol

Teresa said...

I've been absent from blogging for awhile but now that I am back I just had to catch up on yours. Love the shoes. Your beach piece is coming along so beautifully. Your stitching is just amazing as always.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

margaret said...

what a lot of very talented nieces you have, a lovely idea and a day you will never forget, it looks such great fun.
When I have a moment I need to look back at previous blogs as I am a new follower, finding the moments is the problem not enough hours in the day even though I am up before 6 and retired.

coral-seas said...

It is wonderful that their enthusiasm for making 4th July wearable art never wanes :-) The shoes are fabulous and I loved the sound bites writen around the bottom edge - the bits I coould see.

You have a beautiful family but the most beautiful thing is your closeness and the precious moments you share.

Marsha said...

What a beautiful family and What great ideas they have. Love the hats. Oh heck, I just love everything about this post.

Wendy said...

Okay Susan... Gotta know:
What did you use on the shoes? (Hey! i made a rhyme!) =-)
What markers, anyway? I would *love* to decorate some ked-type shoes, but i'm afraid the markers will bleed...

This is a *fantastic* post! Love that all of you get together, AND that you have a craft/art project. FANTASTIC for all of the kids, and it draws them close. They will NEVER forget their Aunt Susan and how FUN she is!!!
=-)
p.s. totally selfish of me, but i'm glad you're back. =-)

Judy S. said...

Another great Fourth! You think up the BEST projects, Susan. Mybe you should write a book? Next year, I guess you'll have to do jewelry or something!

Catherine said...

I have so been waiting to catch your annual 4th post!!
You have a most awesome family, but I am sure I don't have to tell you that!
Love the shoes!

Sheila said...

I just love your 4th posts, Susan. They are so fun! What great memories you make for your family. It is such a gift! I second Judy S. suggestion - these would make a great craft book.

MeganH said...

Your littlest niece has grown up so much!

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