Blog

Four score and seven beers ago...

Cheers to the Fourth of July!

Here’s something you should know about me: I LOVE the Fourth of July.

Not only is it my favorite holiday (shout out to Thomas Jefferson!) but everything about this time of year makes me happy: the weather, fireworks and bonfires, the excuse to eat as many hot dogs as I want in one single day… I could go on and on.

With the Fourth a little less than three weeks away, it's safe to say all these things have been in the forefront of my mind recently.

While sifting through project ideas to help get me BBQ-ready, I knew there was only one design that would fit the bill… because if there’s a second thing you should know about me – it is that I LOVE Abraham Lincoln.

Having the opportunity to tie together two of my favorite things was something I couldn't pass up! So, if you’re up for a little history with a cheeky twist, something to get you into the mood to celebrate this wonderful holiday – follow me and let’s get crafty!

Materials Used

• Substrate – Tank Top (100% Cotton)
• HTV
  • Siser® EasyWeed ® Black
  • Siser® Glitter Royal Blue, Red, Rainbow White
  • Happy Crafters® Pattern of the Month: June | Stars and Stripes
• Weeding Tool
• Cover Sheet or Parchment Paper
• Heat Press or Home Iron

Application Instructions

Temperature: 305°F

Pressure: Medium

Time: 10- 15 seconds for final full application

*Siser Glitter does have a recommended temperature of 320°F, but since we're tacking down and applying several layers, 305°F will suffice as the base temperature and will activate the adhesive for application.

As always, we recommend to do a quick pre-press of your substrate to ensure smooth and even application – then we're ready to start!

Let’s get ready to layer!

We're working with three different materials for this design – which means three separate layers.

To start, place your first layer (EasyWeed Black) on your substrate and center.

Once in place, you can tack that layer down for 1-2 seconds – don’t forget to use a cover sheet!

EasyWeed is a hot or cold peel – so choose whichever suits you best!

With our first layer tacked, we're ready to get our second layer (Happy Crafters Pattern of the Month: June | Stars and Stripes) into position.

Center the pattern over the hat, creating an outline in EasyWeed Black as well as the stars over where his eyes would be.

Tack for 1-2 seconds and peel warm.

Glitter time!

Crafty Tip! I chose to tack my glitter layer separately, by color – but if you ensure no carriers will overlap, you can tack all colors at once!

First up – Glitter Blue.

Used as the rim of the sunglasses, top layer of two stars and top layer of “Seven Beers Ago”– line up so the glasses are in line on his face and the stars and copy are slightly off center.

Tack 3 seconds and peel carrier warm.

Repeat the same steps as above to tack the Glitter Red and Rainbow White pieces.

Glitter Red: Top layer of “Four Score And” as well as two stars.

Glitter Rainbow White: Top layer of four stars.

As you did with the blue glitter, line each up so it's slightly off center.

Cue the fireworks – here comes the grand finale!

Now that all layers are tacked, grab your cover sheet, place over the entire design and press for the full 15 seconds.

There you have it! You're now set to rock your Fourth of July best!

I hope this project brought as much fun to you as it did to us.

If you decide to recreate or add a spin of your own – we would love to hear about it; better yet, send us a photo so we can SEE it!

Send an email to Hello@HappyCrafters.com, or tag us on social media.

Wishing you and yours a fun, safe and memorable Fourth of July!

And because I could never pass up a chance to quote Abe - I’ll leave you with this:

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

- Abraham Lincoln

Thank you for crafting with us!

Your spirited Happy Crafter,

Dani