Looking for some on-trend Americana to update your decor look? Learn how to create a DIY American flag using antique wooden spindles. Spice up your home decor with this simple and charming patriotic project with red stripes.
DIY American Flag Wood Projects
Creating a vintage-inspired DIY American flag wood project for summer decor offers a blend of patriotism, creativity, and a personal touch that resonates deeply during the summer season.
This flag design project is a perfect way to celebrate national pride in a unique and artistic way, especially around holidays like the Fourth of July. The vintage aesthetic adds a nostalgic charm, evoking a sense of history and tradition that complements outdoor gatherings and festive environments with traditional red, white, and blue.
Additionally, the DIY aspect empowers you to engage in a hands-on activity, fostering a sense of accomplishment and personalization. It’s an opportunity to craft a distinctive piece of home decor that stands out from mass-produced items, reflecting your very own style and dedication.
Antique Farmhouse Spindle American Flag Set
Today’s blog post is inspired by Antique Farmhouse’s Spindle Post American Flag Set.
I first spotted these American flags on Pinterest. I thought they would be easy to make and have a unique rustic look for both indoor and outdoor summer decor. Follow my Pinterest Patriotic Decor Board for more red and white stripes inspiration.
You may also find inspiration in this Red Decor Home Decorative Objects post.
DIY American Flag Materials Needed:
I was fortunate enough to have found these ten antique wood grain spindles last Christmas. They were selling for just $10 a bundle in an antique shop. I’m so glad I grabbed them when I did, as I had no idea then what I would use them for. And now here we are with this fun project…
You may see more in this Eclectic Vintage Interior Design Ideas with Old Holiday Stuff post.
How Do You Make a DIY Wooden Flag?
This DIY American flag project is so simple that anyone can make it. It’s also super versatile, and when you don’t want to use them anymore, you can easily dismantle these antique American spindle flags to repurpose.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1:
First step, pull the flag off of its store-bought flag pole.
I could easily remove the flags and staples from their wooden poles with just my hands.
Next step, align the flag to the top of the antique spindle that you want to use for the flag pole’s straight edge.
You could also easily modify this DIY wooden American flag project with larger or smaller antique wooden dowel and flag dimensions, like the one in this photo below, which is a 4″ x 6″ flag with the same spindle for your preferred right size.
Pro Tip
You may also find spindle DIY ideas and more in this 3 Decorative Wood Spindles Finials Holiday Craft Ideas post.
Step 2:
Flip over your American flag to the back of the flag, and using your hot glue gun, add a strip of glue down the side of the flag that you will glue to the antique spindle as you originally aligned it.
Next, flip the flag back over and attach the flag to the wooden spindle.
It’s that easy!
The final step, let your DIY American wood flags dry, and enjoy.
I like to let my glue dry for 24 hours before decorating to ensure it is as sturdy as possible.
Before I decided to glue the American flags onto the antique spindles, I tried using a staple gun, which failed miserably, as an FYI. The staples were not at all visibly appealing, and it was really tough getting them into the antique spindle’s hardwood.
Decorating Ideas for DIY American Flag Spindles
By incorporating these DIY American flags made from antique spindles into various areas of your home, you can create a warm and welcoming environment that beautifully honors the spirit of Americana. Here are a few decorating ideas with blue colors to get you started:
I chose an antique A.E. Hull blue pitcher, a great way to display my DIY American flags both indoors and outdoors. Learn more about A.E. Hull in the Antiques in Maine & Summer Vintage Haul post.
Looking for more Patriotic and Americana Decor Inspiration?
DIY or Crafting
Do you consider this DIY American flag project a DIY or a craft project?
This post has brought me to an often-thought-about question: What is the difference between DIY and crafting? Sometimes, it’s very obvious; for example, building a table and using power tools would be considered a DIY, while knitting a sweater would be considered a craft.
This is what I have learned:
The terms “craft” and “DIY” (Do It Yourself) are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct connotations:
Craft
You may also enjoy these 35 Spring & Summer Wreath Door Ideas.
DIY
While both crafts and DIY involve creating and making things by hand, crafts tend to focus more on traditional skills and artistry, whereas DIY is broader, encompassing a wide range of practical, creative, and often self-taught projects.
Now that we have all the details, I think today’s DIY American flag project qualifies as a true DIY.
What do you think? Good luck with your DIY American flags celebrating Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, and more this summer.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
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I made your flag diy. After seeing the idea, I was lucky to find a packet of 10 small spindles in an antique shop yesterday. But I didn’t glue the flags onto them. They were attached to thin dowels so I slid them into the vertical holes in the spindles. Worked perfectly! Thanks for the idea!
Oh Barbara, how lucky are you? I bet they are adorable. Don’t the spindles make them look so charming? Send me a photo and I’ll feature your flags in our reader’s showcase series. annck@dabblinganddecorating.com Happy summer!
These are so fun, Ann! Your “diy” came out great! I love patriotic decor!
Thanks kindly Molly!
Your flags turned out awesome, and the Hull pitcher sealed the look!
Thank you so much I’m so glad you liked them!
Oh my gosh. These are so adorable, Ann. I can’t wait to share them in my weekly recap tomorrow!
Thanks so much Jen! I always appreciate your kind shares. Happy Father’s Day!
I love the article
Thanks kindly Adam!