maker’s dozen . Americana [printable calendar]

July is here, and I decided to start off the second half of 2020 with a Maker’s Dozen – 13 curated curiosities and bits of nostalgia and ephemera unearthed in the studio. I love all things vintage, and Maker’s Dozen is a perfect way to indulge my collector’s spirit. Today’s theme is AMERICANA, and it’s filled with little bits of vintage patriotic items and souvenirs to remind us of Independence Day. Plus, since we’re starting a new month, I’ve also included a free printable calendar with a mini print celebrating our sweet land of liberty.

“Americana” is loosely defined as a collection of artifacts reminiscent of the cultural heritage of the United States – its history, lore and places. In short, it’s cool things that remind us of our country. Challenge accepted! Here are thirteen finds for the U.S. of A…

1. Abe Lincoln finger puppet – You don’t get more American than our 16th president! But, somehow, I can’t call a finger puppet, “Abraham”, so Abe it is! This addition isn’t vintage. I purchased it a few years ago at Malaprop’s Bookstore in downtown Asheville, North Carolina – one of my favorite bookstores.
2. 1976 Bicentennial commemorative flag – They handed these out at school when I was in 2nd grade as part of the nationwide Bicentennial celebration.
3. Paper flag cupcake topper – You had me at cupcake!
4. Lego American flag – This one is part of the NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander set commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first manned lunar landing. Full disclosure, my Ziggy Stardust space nerd self completely geeked out last summer when we built this set for the July 20th anniversary!
5. Vintage “healthy birthday America” pinback button – A relic from my button collection, last seen pinned to my bluejean jacket in the 1980s.
6. U.S. insignia from my Dad’s Army National Guard uniform
7. Thomas E. Dewey for President campaign button – circa 1948. Obviously, he didn’t win.
8. Reproduction “Our President Franklin D. Roosevelt” 1940 campaign button – As best as I can tell, it was reproduced in the 70s.
9. Vintage Washington D.C. souvenir coin purse – We picked this up on a two-week family vacation to Washington during the summer after 3rd grade. (Still remember seeing moon rocks from said lunar landing!)
10. U.S. Army Eagle insignia – From my Dad’s National Guard uniform
11. Peace Corps commemorative stamp – Issued on February 11, 1972.
12. United States Savings Bond 25th Anniversary commemorative stamp – Issued on October 26, 1966.
13. Vintage Washington D.C. souvenir plastic snow globe – Also purchased during that family vacation in 1977.

Need a little more patriotism to take you through the month? I hope you enjoy my July free calendar printable featuring a few lines from that childhood favorite, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Cut down the mini print, and it’s just the right size for a 5×7″ frame.

Let freedom ring, indeed. And, let us keep pressing, and listening, and speaking out until ALL Americans can partake of the full opportunity that freedom provides!