DIY Patriotic American Flag Woodworking Project

Looking for a patriotic way to celebrate Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the Fourth of July? This easy woodworking DIY project uses simple supplies like glue, wood stir sticks, and paint resulting in a colorful US Flag that can be hung inside or outside of your home to show your patriotic spirit.  

The American flag is an important symbol of freedom for all Americans with a rich and fascinating history. Show off how smart you are to your friends and family this summer with these interesting flag facts from The National Flag Foundation.

How to Build A Wooden American Flag  

Growing up some of my favorite memories are of building something out of wood with my dad. He was the woodshop teacher at the local school and his patience, creativity, and love of building didn’t stop when school ended for summer break. I remember the first project he built with me, a small shelf I made to give as a gift to a friend. He spent hours teaching me how to safely use woodworking tools like saws, tape measures, and a hammer and he made sure I sanded all of the rough edges so there were no splinters. 

If you are new to woodworking projects, I suggest starting with something easy like this project that requires no previous experience or an expert, like my dad, guiding you along.  

Follow this quick and easy tutorial to build your own wooden American flag. This is the perfect DIY project to do with kids, but adult supervision is recommended. To make this project go smoothly gather your supplies ahead of time before you get started.  

 Supplies Needed 

• 113 Wooden paint sticks  
• Red acrylic paint
• Blue acrylic paint 
• White acrylic paint 
• White acrylic paint pen 
• Wood glue 
• Painter’s tape
• Twine 
• Staple gun & staples 
• Water-based spray paint sealer (optional) 

Step by Step Instructions: 

1. Paint 6 wood paint sticks red, and 5 wood paint sticks white. Let the paint dry completely. Then start with a red paint stick, place it paint-side down on the top of a flat surface. Place a white stick, paint-side down along the length of the red stick. Continue lining up the paint sticks alternating colors to make the rectangular flag body. Make sure the left side of the flag’s body is lined up and straight. 
2.  With the paint sticks face down on a flat surface, run a long piece of painter’s tape down the middle of the paint sticks starting with the top stick and ending at the last bottom stick to prevent the paint sticks from shifting.  
3. Take the two leftover, unpainted wood paint sticks and run a bead of wood glue down the center of the paint stick. With your finger spread the glue evenly over the surface of the paint stick. Repeat this step on the second paint stick.  
4. On the back of the flag body measure 3 inches in from both the left side and right side making a light pencil mark. Then put a light pencil mark in the center of the top and bottom paint sticks of the flag body. Place the paint sticks, glue side down onto the flag body where you put the pencil marks. Set some heavy books on top of the glue-coated paint sticks and allow the glue to thoroughly dry before flipping the flag body over.  
5. After the glue has dried, flip the flag body over so the red and white stripes are face up. From the top left side measure 4 inches in and lightly draw a line in pencil. Then from the top left corner measure down 3 inches and make a mark. Connect the pencil lines to make a 4” by 3” box in the top left corner. Place the painter’s tape along the outside of the pencil marks pressing down to ensure paint won’t seep under the tape.  
6. Paint the box-shaped section with blue acrylic paint and let it dry completely. Then with your pencil lightly mark on the painted blue rectangle where you will want the stars to be placed. This area will be too small to fit all 50 stars, so just do your best to make them look evenly distributed. Using the white acrylic paint marker draw stars onto the blue rectangle at the spots you marked and let it dry.  
7. Cut a piece of twine 16” long and tie a knot at the end of both sides of the twine. Flip your flag body over and place one end of the twine over the glued-on paint stick. Staple the twine to the paint stick. Repeat this step on the other side to firmly secure the twine to the flag. 
8. Optional Step – If you plan on hanging your wooden US Flag outside you will need to seal it so that the paint doesn’t wash off or fade from the outdoor elements. To do this take your flag outside or in a well-ventilated area and spray the entire front and back sides with a water-based spray sealer. 

Congratulations, you successfully completed this easy woodworking project and just made a pretty awesome American Flag! Now go show your patriotic spirit and proudly display it for all to see.