I just can’t seem to get enough of the patriotic décor these days! It started a few months ago when I made these fun fireworks from a wood 4×4 . Then I added this old classic to the blog, a hanging wood flag made from 1×4’s {you can find this handmade piece in my Etsy shop that sells like crazy this time of year}. And I had to make a tutorial of a red, white, and blue rag wreath. I tell ya, I’ve been obsessed lately with making these tutorials! And I have another one ;)!!!
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I had everything I needed on hand to make this but I’ve included the links where you can get some of these supplies. Yes, those are affiliate links but not to worry, you will not be charged anything extra if you make a purchase through them. They are just a way for this stay at home momma to help with the daily bills of raising our four little girls :)!
I promise this sign is SUPERRRRR easy!
Here’s what you’ll need
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1x8x48 {4 feet}
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vinyl star cut out
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wire {I picked mine up at our local farm store in the fencing area}
Handy tools
First you need to cut your board and give it a quick sanding with 120 grit sandpaper. I personally LOVE working with Ryobi Power Tools. For years I used my husband much more industrial strength tools {he works commercial construction so his tools need to be crazy powerful} till I found these little gems and I have no plans of ever letting these guys go!
Then you need to paint your ENTIRE board white. Do one very thin coat, once dry add a second coat.
If you’re using a stencil cut it out while your board dries. I use my Cricut but you can use any vinyl cutting machine. The star I cut out was approx. 6” wide. If you don’t have access to one you can free hand your star. If going this route I recommend using a pencil when you do the outline.
Apply your star stencil to your board. Then decide where you want your blue line to stop below it. Measure that distance and make a mark on each side. I made mine approx. 9” from the top.
Now run a piece of tape from side to side where you made those marks. This will help to keep your line crisp.
Paint the entire top area blue. I used a royal blue but any blue shade that you like will be perfect. I painted two coats of blue, allowing it to dry completely between coats.
Remove the star and the tape.
I at first planned to paint two stripes of white and two stripes of red going down my board…big mistake. It was not as cute so I had to repaint it. I had to paint the bottom part red, because it is far easier to cover white with red than to cover red with white.
Using the same measuring technique as above but going vertically instead of horizontally, tape off the bottom so you have three equal stripes. If I wouldn’t have messed my stripes up from the beginning I would have taped them off the opposite from pictured below and painted inside the tape lines red. Instead I had to make more work for myself. I hope that makes sense. Just like with the blue, paint two coats and let dry between coats.
Then peel off the tape. Go in with a small paint brush and fix any mistakes if necessary.
Using your sander, sand around the edges, corners, and give the front a super quick once over. Then you’re ready to apply your wax. Check out my DIY mini wood pumpkin tutorial for a more in-depth how to on applying antiquing wax.
Add a piece of burlap. I tied mine off with a piece of floral wire but you can tie yours in a bow or a knot.
I added a couple pieces of baling wire just to give it a little extra cuteness!
If you love this piece but don’t have the time to make it and NEED it in your life 😉 you can purchase one personally made by me here ————> AMERICAN FLAG LEANING PORCH SIGN
