DIY Farmhouse Style American Flags
We topped 90° here in the Northeast a few days ago, so I know for a fact that summer has truly arrived. That means BBQ’s, swimming, and 4th of July are coming on full steam ahead. In honor of Independence Day, I’ve got a DIY farmhouse style American flag tutorial to share with you.
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a simple craft project that can be completed quickly AND that can pack a lot of visual punch. This flag definitely falls into that category.
My inspiration for it came from a large wrinkled canvas flag I saw in a craft shop not too long ago. When I taught art “back in the day,” I taught about pre-historic cave art by drawing with pastels on crinkled-up paper bags. The idea was that the bags created a stone wall-like surface. I thought paper bags might also work to imitate the wrinkled canvas.
Let me know if you think I achieved my goal 🙂
Related posts: Framing Aged American Flags & Creating a Patriotic Gallery Wall & Super Simple Wall Art
I start hanging flags and other decorations ’round about Memorial Day and leave them up until August. The patriotic colors are bright and cheerful, so I don’t mind leaving them up for a couple of months.
Materials for DIY Farmhouse Style American Flag
This post contains affiliate links for products necessary to complete the project. This is both for your convenience as well as to support my blog, as I receive a small compensation whenever you click on such a link and make any sort of purchase, for which I thank you.
Materials:
- Brown paper bag (preferably heavy duty or brown kraft paper)
- Vintage yardstick (or other flat wooden pieces)
- Craft paint (red, white, blue, black)
- Paint brushes
- Sand paper (not shown)
- Tacky glue
- Heavy string (not shown)
- Scissors
How to Make a DIY Farmhouse Style American Flag
Step 1: Cut down one side of the bag and cut out the bottom to create one large piece of paper.
Step 2: Cut out a smaller piece from that large piece to use for your flag. I cut mine 7″ X 8.5″.
Step 3: Scrunch up the paper into a ball–nice and tight. Now’s the time to get out all that pent of frustration 🙂
Step 4: Flatten out the paper using your hands and/or the side of a ruler.
Step 5. Draw your flag, leaving about 3/4″ on the top and the bottom as leeway for gluing later. Of course if you’re from Canada, England, or any other country, draw your flag(!).
Step 6. Use watery craft paint to begin painting your flag.
I painted the white lines first, knowing the red lines could cover any errors.
Step 7: Sand the surface of your flag to reveal some of the brown paper. This gives your project an aged, antique look.
Step 8: Cut your yardstick into lengths that are slightly longer than your flag. My flag is 8.5″ wide, so I cut my ruler into two 10″ pieces.
Step 9: Apply a line of glue along both the top and the bottom. Lay your yardstick pieces (or other wood strips) over the glue and press into place.
Step 10: Flip your project over and tuck in a piece of heavy string (or ribbon, jute, or baker’s twine) in between the paper and the wood. Press down to secure the connection. Let the glue dry and you’re done!
Completed DIY Folk Art American Flag
I’m pretty pleased with the farmhouse, folk art appeal, and I’m anxious to craft a larger version.
I enjoyed creating this patriotic display with my new flag as the centerpiece. Let me know what you think in the comments!
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Project Tutorial for today’s farmhouse flag DIY:
I’d love it if you’d pin me 🙂
I love it! I might get brave and try to make some with my grandsons.
Me too Kim! Better find a place outside ’cause it looks like it could get messy. But that is most of the fun, right?!
I’d love to see your results Kimberly if you ever end up getting the chance to make them with your grandsons 🙂
I really like it, Diana. Another project that I feel motivated to make myself! I did the level herb drying rack and the Christmas tiny wreath on vintage door knob back plate project. Love them both. I’m intrigued with the flag project’s crumpled paper and it looks very doable! Sandra
I’m so glad you like the project and feel it’s doable, Sandra! I’d love to see photos of your rack and knob plate ornament if you ever get the chance!!
Love your flag and so easy to make. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome Nancy–thanks for taking the time to write a kind comment 🙂
I love it! Great project!
Thank you Donna–I’m so glad!!
It does look doable! I think a variation might make good garlands, too (I’m into garlands right now, can you tell?). Red and white stripes, then blue with stars stamped on with white paint? We shall see. Glad your shop is open again. I need to go check my booth soon!
You are definitely an idea person Kathy! Thanks for sharing yours with us 🙂 Good luck with your booth–
I love this project, Diana! Such a clever idea…thanks for sharing! Pinning!
Aww thanks Linda–means a lot coming from you 🙂
That’s cute! A good way to reuse/recycle used paper bags. For a long time I have wanted to paint a flag on a piece of corrugated tin. It already has ripples that make it look like it’s moving in the breeze. And it would last forever. But I have so many projects I want to do, and no time. And that reminds me….I need to get out my hanging flag decor for the front door. I meant to get it out last month, now I’ve missed the two flag holidays. Still have July 4 though !
I hear you about having so many projects Patty, LOL. But better too many than none at all, I always say!
Love this! Such a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
XO-MaryJo
You’re so welcome MaryJo–glad you enjoyed the project 🙂
I love it, Diana, and I’m Canadian! Love the vintage charm with the crinkled paper and yardsticks. This could easily adapt for us Canucks to the north. Pinned 🙂
Absolutely Marie! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for the pin 🙂
I love the rustic simplicity of your flag, Diana! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Char!
Glad you liked it Cecilia and thanks for throwing a great part!
I love this idea! It has a beautiful, vintage look. Using the wooden rulers is genius!
Fun project at the cabin over 4th of July weekend!
Wow! This is a good craft to make! I am from UK so I made the same but a UK flag. Thanks for the inspiration! I love this craft! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Eileen! I’m glad you enjoyed the project. I would SO love to see you’re UK flags when you’ve made them 🙂
Thank you for these flag tutorials! Can’t wait to try both of them. Could you share the price you put on the paper flags?
Thank you.
You’re welcome Jan! Depending on their size, anywhere from $10-12.
Thanks for the info. Will try to make the flag. I have a wall with framed flags and this will carry the theme into an adjacent room. Love your posts!
You’re welcome Marilyn! So glad you’re enjoying my articles–have fun making some of these flags 🙂