Thank you to DecoArt, Inc. for sponsoring this post. The project and opinions are all my own.
Whew. It’s been so long since I’ve posted that I honestly could not even remember the web address for the site I use to write these posts. Or my username and password, for that matter. Thank goodness I had that written down in one of the gazillion lists I keep. (There is a method to my madness!)
Anyway, as some of you reading this post know, I took a blogging break for the past month to be in Wisconsin with my family because my father was extremely ill and battling brain cancer. Sadly, he passed away on June 5. I will forever be grateful that I got to spend so much time with him during his last few days, and that upon his passing he was surrounded by some of the people who loved him most. I know he’s in a better place now — no longer suffering from the effects of the wretched disease that took so much from him — but I can’t help but feel sad because I know I can’t call him for a quick chat anymore or see him whenever I want. I hope the weight of that feeling will lessen with time.
Upon my dad’s passing, I debated whether or not to return to blogging. Writing about craft projects and home decor seemed so inconsequential and, in a way, foolish. But, after some time and introspection, I realized that I truly missed it. And in not blogging, I felt like I was missing a part of myself. So I decided to give it a try again and see what happens.
My dad always loved celebrating any of the holidays, so I feel like this patriotic embroidery hoop wreath that I created for DecoArt is a good project to get my blogging wheels turning again. It’s happy and festive, which I know my dad would want me to be again, too. 
You can find the step-by-step instructions and photos on how to put this patriotic embroidery hoop wreath together right here on DecoArt’s website. I wrote the tutorial, so if you have any questions you can leave them right in the comment box of this post!
It’s a fun project that will give you a unique piece of decor for your front porch! 
This is probably the most decorating I’ll do for the Fourth of July, so I’m glad it’s at least a cute and original piece! Do you decorate for the Fourth?
– Bre
Elizabeth says
It is adorable and your dad would love it too, because making it made you and other people happy. What you do here allows others to take a break from their own busy lives, and possibly struggles too, and inspires them to maybe try something new. Your dad was a total DIY kinda guy, and that part of his spirit–as well as many other great things about him–lives on in you. That is hardly inconsequential. Love you xoxoxoxoxo
And seriously, it’s really so cute. 🙂
Bre says
You made me cry. 🙂 Thanks for this, Elizabeth. xo
Amy | Canary Street Crafts says
Your wreath is really cute and unique, Bre! I’m so glad to see you back here and at the same time I’m sorry you’re struggling with the loss of your dad. I hesitate to say this because I didn’t know your dad, but I can’t imagine he would want you to stop doing the things that make you happy. Creating things is part of what makes you YOU, and nothing about that is inconsequential. Sending you big hugs and I’m off to check out the full post at DecoArt.
Bre says
Thank you, Amy! You’re totally right that he would want me and everyone else to be happy. 🙂 Have a good night, friend.
Shannon Churchill says
This wreath is perfect for the Fourth! And it turned out beautiful.:) Like Amy said, I didn’t know your dad, but t imagine he’d be thrilled you’re doing what makes you happy! I’m so glad to see you back “at it.” I hope you’re finding some comfort and solace during this tough time.:)
Bre says
Thanks, friend. 🙂 And I’m hanging in there. Some days are harder than others, but I’m just so happy he’s not suffering anymore. Hope you have fun plans for the 4th!
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness says
Bre! I have been thinking about you! This wreath is SO adorable and obviously great minds think alike, because I was thinking of making some sort of “wreath” using embroidery hoops, too! I know your dad is looking down totally loving yours! 🙂
Bre says
Hi, friend – thanks so much! 🙂 Definitely make an embroidery hoop wreath. I know yours will be out of this world. Looking forward to seeing it!
Emily @ Table & Hearth says
Oh Bre, I am so sorry you have to go through this. Losing a father is a deep and special kind of pain that we will always have to deal with and that we will never understand. Take comfort in knowing you got to be there with him, and that he is free from suffering. Many virtual thoughts and hugs for you friend and I’m glad that you are sticking with this, creating is a great way to deal with the hurt, and the sense of community in blogging is amazing! <3 <3
Bre says
Thanks so much, Emily! You’re right – creating is a really good and productive way to deal with all of this. Thanks for being there for me! xo
Bethany @ The Southern Couture says
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will definitely keep you in my prayers. I am so glad that you decided to continue blogging. I am sure he is proud to know that you started again doing something you love. Your patriotic wreath is beautiful.
Bre says
Bethany, thank you for your kind note and for stopping by my blog. I appreciate your prayers!
Alexandra says
This is very creative! I love the uniqueness of this wreath idea. Opens the doors to many other ideas. Pinned.
Bre says
Hi, Alexandra – thank you! You’re so right – you could really do so many other things with the embroidery hoop! Thanks so much for pinning this post. I hope you’re having a lovely day.
Danielle says
I love embroidery hoops – and I love this wreath!! Thanks for linking up with us at the Motivational Monday party – I hope you’ll stop by again this week!
Danielle
SewMuchCrafting.com
Bre says
Hi, Danielle – thank you!! I appreciate your sweet comment and that you took the time to stop by. I love Motivational Monday, and although I missed it this week, I will be back next week! 🙂