Show your patriotism; learn how to make your own DIY wooden flag! This craft project is easy and fun for kids and adults alike.
You really have to hand it to Betsy Ross. She knew what she was doing. The American Flag design is simple yet distinctive and open to beautiful interpretations. Do I sound patriotic? Well, yes, I am!
If you hear a voice within you that says “you can not paint” then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.
– Vincent Van Gogh
Wood American Flag
Flags are a fitting art piece for decorating year-round if you enjoy rustic, eclectic, or whimsical home decor. For example, a large rustic wood flag would look great displayed over a fireplace, bar area, porch, or patio.
Make one for your alma mater, sports team, or country. Flags make a unique, handcrafted piece to hang for parties, games, or each year for your nation’s holidays.
Rustic Art
The rustic style could be defined as using unrefined, raw, natural materials; the intent is to allow the natural characteristics of the materials to shine through.
It seems appropriate that the painting style for this rustic flag be rough, coarse, and subdued too.
This craft project is about embracing your imperfection! The less accurate, the better, similar to folk art, which according to Webster, is the traditional art of untrained people.
It’s all about being human. And imperfect. In fact, if the art is perfect, it’s actually not as appealing. The more mistakes, the better it gets.
Is this a message to us about life? Maybe so. So, relax and enjoy the process!
July 4th Crafts
Round up your favorite kids, friends, or family, and let’s prepare for the Fourth of July by creating our own version of this iconic slice of America.
We will transform a piece of rustic wood into an American Flag with today’s easy DIY.
Looking for more red, white, and blue projects? Check out these ideas below:
Painted Throw Pillows
July 4th Gnomes
Patriotic Gnome
Table Ideas
Table Runner & Napkin Rings
Red, White & Blue Desserts
Materials
Here’s what you need to make your own rustic flag.
Affiliate links are underlined.
Wood Canvas ideas HERE and HERE
Acrylic Paint ideas HERE and HERE
Paintbrushes
Paper plate or paint tray
Stencil, optional
Sponge, optional
Sandpaper, optional
Wood glue, optional
Vice grips, optional
Saw, optional
The craft supplies are inexpensive and easy to find. Your most important item will be the wood “canvas.”
Old, rustic wood or planks from a pallet would be an amazing choice if you happen to have access to that. If not, there are a variety of options at your local (or online) craft store.
We found ours at Hobby Lobby. Select a pre-made wooden signboard, or buy planks and glue them together yourself. Also, consider checking out the clearance section and purchase a ready-made sign and paint over it for a fraction of the price.
Next, you will need paint (affiliate link) and inexpensive brushes. To roughen up or “age” the surface of the wood after the flag is painted, you will also need sandpaper.
Project Instructions
1 Select your materials. Subscribe to Bloom & get access to the star template PDF for this project and lots of other free downloads.
2 Glue your wooden craft planks together if necessary and trim to the desired size.
3 Prepare your paint and brushes. If making a US flag, paint the blue first. Dry.
4 Stencil or freehand paint your stars with white. Let the paint dry.
5 Paint your red stripes. Let dry. Paint your white stripes. Wait until dry.
6 Roughen the surface and edges with sandpaper. Optional
This is a great project for kids to make to celebrate the Fourth of July. It’s also a fun piece to hang up year-round.
I hope you will try it, and please tag me or leave me a note in the comment box below if you do!
xo,
Cindy
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