And, finally, to end the week on an inspiring note, here are the photos submitted by Flag Fables Summer Outdoor Design Contest runner up, Julie D. from Kansas.

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The thing that most impressed us about Julie’s setting was her use of color in integrating all the elements of her design. Using the “Buzzin’ Bees” Breeze Art decorative flag from Magnet Works and the coordinating MatMates doormat as a base, Julie did a wonderful job of highlighting the shapes and colors with her choices of flowers – like Black Eyed Susans – and outdoor sculpture pieces like the sunflower “Welcome” rock, bear with a sunflower bouquet and sunflower stake.

The resulting design is a lovely and playful Summer theme that warmly welcomes visitors to her home. Great work, Julie! We’re sure your home stands out on  your block!

Once again, thank you to everyone who took the time to send us your designs! We loved hearing from all of you and seeing your work!

Have a wonderful weekend and happy flag flying!

Wendy

Here’s another great idea from Flag Fables Summer Outdoor Design Contest runner up, Jane C., from Connecticut!

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As we mentioned yesterday, we’ve been particularly impressed with the new and innovative ways this Summer’s contest participants have used decorative flags. Jane C., from Connecticut, took the concept of “flags as art” to a new level when she framed “Henny,” by Toland Home Garden, and hung it on the wall in her dining room.  We loved the way it fit perfectly with the color palette and country design style of her home!

You’ll be seeing more about indoor decorating ideas using outdoor design products here in the next few weeks. We did a wonderful photo shoot a few weeks ago using both print and applique flags as art in the nursery of a budding young (7 months old!) soccer star, Aidan.

And, in the next couple of weeks, you’ll also see a new line of indoor “Kitchen MatMates”  from Magnet Works just in time for Fall and holiday decorating.

Thank you, again, Jane, for taking the time to send us photos of your wonderful idea! We loved it and look forward to seeing more in the future!

Happy Flag Flying Everyone!

Wendy

And here are the scene photos submitted by Donna S., from Illinois, one of our three runners up!

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We loved the range of Donna’s settings which were spread throughout her yard and done in combination with lots of other outdoor design elements. But the setting that stood out for us was the most simple and innovative one: hanging a flag from a child’s swing set/jungle gym.

One of the reasons we love decorative flags so much is that, more than just being flags, they really are affordable artwork which can be used anywhere in and around our homes. And Donna’s use of “Grand Kids Spoiled Here,” by Custom Decor, is a great example of one of those “new” ways to use flags in a unique outdoor setting.

Check back tomorrow and see our next runner up and how she really made flags into artwork.

Thank you, again, Donna, for sending us three completely different, and terrific, settings!

Happy Flag Flying Everyone!

Wendy

Here are the entries submitted by the winner of our Flag Fables Summer Outdoor Design Contest, Marie E., from Kentucky.

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We really loved Marie’s choices of textures and colors in her patriotic setting. Red was the dominant color throughout each piece, including the red geraniums. And it was balanced so beautifully by blues and greens in the Magnet Works’ flag and Yard DeSign, as well as the vine wreath and tin star. While there were a number of elements in Marie’s design, the setting was wonderfully balanced and didn’t feel over-crowded or busy.

We think you’ll agree that this is a wonderfully fresh and colorful patriotic setting!

Congratulations, Marie!

Wendy

First prize in the Flag Fables Summer Outdoor Design Contest goes to Marie E. from Kentucky. Marie will receive a $250 Flag Fables Gift Certificate.

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And, as we’ve done once before when we had such great entries, we’ve actually awarded three runners up rather than just two! All three runners up will each receive a $100 dollar Flag Fables Gift Certificate.

Here they are:

Donna S., from Illinois,

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Julie D., from Kansas,

and Jane C., from Connecticut,

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Congratulations to the winners! As always, we were impressed with the way each of you paid such close attention to details and color and, in this contest, the innovative ways you used flags: framed and hung on a dining room wall in Jane C.’s case and hanging from a children’s swing set in Donna S.’s case.

As we do after every contest, beginning tomorrow, we’ll do one post a day with all the images from each winner, starting, of course, with Marie!

For those of you who didn’t win, or weren’t selected as finalists, don’t give up! We are continually amazed at the quality of the designs we receive from all of you and choosing the winners is challenging.  Sometimes it’s just that extra “something” that stands out and makes that design a winner.  We’ll do other contests and hopefully that deciding factor will be in your design!

Once again, thank you ALL for taking the time to photograph your settings and send them to us – particularly in light of this hectic Summer time of the year! We love seeing your new designs and sharing them with other people who love outdoor design.

Happy Flag Flying!

Wendy