Memorial Day Displays
Sorry to be missing in action, my computer had technical problems that took a few weeks to solve. Computers are a lot like old boyfriends - you think everything is going wonderfully until BAM - it’s gone! LOL!!But I am back -
I am a big fan of decorating with bears for the holidays, seasons, or special events. Memorial Day presents many opportunities for creating displays to make you smile! Summer of course is picnic season, and teddy bears are in love with picnics, especially if they involve honey! Use a checked tablecloth or some place mats to create your picnic backdrop and seat your bears around the center area. Stores like Wal-Mart and Target - even Big Lots - are great sources of play food to use in making the perfect picnic. Build A Bear is another source for accessories to help you set up your picnic lunch. Tiny baskets complete the picnic setting, and Boyds has made a large variety of small woven baskets over the years that woudl work very well. You can even find small plastic ants at novelty stores for an added touch of realism! Check toy stores and party stores for items that will make your picnic perfect. I have a small wooden table and chairs I found at an antique fair, as well as a small picnic table. Red checked napkins make great table cloths, and play food from McDonalds and Subway help create the picture of a wonderful Memorial Day outing. I used glue to make permanent sandwiches from the buns, pickles, cheese, burgers and other items - mostly to keep my cats from making the sandwiches into cold cuts!
Parades are another summer tradition for those of us who remember them! You can create a line of bears, seated and standing, for onlookers. Use small wagons, bikes, and even plush horses to make a parade, with red white and blue streamers and small flags for color. I have found some small plush horses that make great rides for smaller bears, every parade needs a horse or two! Both Bearington and Boyds have done terrific bears in Americana themed clothing over the years. Buy some sparklers and other fireworks to create the illusion of a Fourth of July celebration - just make sure to keep the fireworks up and out of the hands of little ones!
Sometimes a simple display can convey a lot. Seat on old bear next to your grandfather’s military cap, with a flag in his hand. Use wired ribbon in red white and blue to make a colorful bow. Pin some old medals on the bear. Do you have old letters sent by someone in your family during times of war? Frame a letter or place it in the lap of your bear. Create a Memorial Day tribute to those in your famiily with loved ones who have served.
Boyds has a current bearstone with deep meaning for anyone who has lost a loved one to military action. Do you know someone who has suffered such a loss? This is a great piece to purchase as a gift, or to use as a centerpiece for a Memorial Day display -
http://www.boydsstuff.com/archiveitem.cfm?IN=228534
Use your imagination and make a memorable display this Memorial Day - I would love to see pictures! Send them to me at bethy56@comcast.net