By Dave and Mary

Kate's Patriotic Decorations

Really Make Her Front Porch Dazzle!

Kate's patriotic decorations serve beautifully for both Memorial Day decorations as well as the 4th of July. Kate is the highly regarded author of the blog Censational Girl.

We really like how she used various combinations of red, white and blue flowers to carry her theme on her front porch.

She also found inexpensive fabrics - red linen and blue and white ticking - to sew some pretty patriotic pillow covers. Wow! They turned out sooo nice.

Kate says this summer she is enjoying adding punches of red to her porch. I love the dark red that's in her outdoor rug and the charming star that hangs on her home. And notice the cute red watering can. Love it!

We agree, the red sure makes her porch "pop". We love her patriotic decorations - so fresh and festive.

Patriotic Decorations: Red, White and Blue Flowers

Kate found an array of red, white and blue flowers. Here's what she used on her porch:

Red: dianthus, dahlias, petunias, trailing calibrachoa, gerber daisies and kalanchoe
White: nemesia,dianthus, geraniums and dusty miller
Blue: hydrangea, lobelia, salvia

We really appreciate Kate sharing these fun pictures of her patriotic porch. We encourage you to visit her blog Censational Girl.

As Kate says: "Three cheers for the red, white, and blue!" We couldn't agree more.

Tips for Displaying Your Flag Properly

Often times in our exuberance to celebrate with the U.S. Flag, people tend to forget how to properly display Old Glory. Here are a few friendly reminders when using patriotic decorations, specifically, the American Flag.

When the U.S. Flag is displayed from a pole horizontally or at an angle from the porch, the stars should be located at the peak of the pole. The exception is when the the flag is at half-staff.
When the flag is displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, the stars (the union) should be at the top and to the flag's own right (or the observer's left). If displayed in a window the flag should be displayed in the same manner. The flag should never be used as bunting or draped over objects (except a casket).
Do not allow the flag to touch the ground, shrubs, or other objects.
The flag must be lighted when flown at night.
When your flag is worn, torn, or otherwise should not be flown, it should be burned in a dignified manner. Contact your local scout troops or American Legion Hall for assistance. Do not throw the flag in the trash.

Patriotic Decorations: Make This Americana Flag

Our patriotic American flag complements our other Americana decorations on our front porch. Instead of a typical wreath Mary and I chose to hang this wooden flag on our front door as a 4th of July decoration.

While it is an ideal 4th of July craft idea, our flag project can also be used throughout the year to celebrate many holidays like Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veteran's Day to name but a few.

Americana decorations are very popular and pretty easy to make. You also have the option of making your flag larger or smaller to fit your own spaces.

Versatile, you can also use the American flag indoors as patriotic home decor.

patriotic American flag on front door for 4th of July

Our flag measures 13 1/2 inches by 18 inches and is an ideal size for most front doors. However, you can easily make it any size you need. Our patriotic flag project can be made from scrap lumber or inexpensive materials from your local craft or hobby store.

My friend Doug from HoosierHomemade.com and I actually made this flag from scrap lumber in no time at all, making it an ideal holiday project.

Video: Making the Patriotic Flag

Dave gives you a brief overview of making the Americana flag

Patriotic American Flag Project Specifics

Mary and I recommend you gather most of the materials listed below before you start. Sort through your scrap lumber and craft supplies to find wood for the slats and the right color of paints.

We used Americana colors which are more subdued than today's bright red, white, and blues. However, you can paint yours any style you'd like.

Patriotic American Flag Materials and Cut List

Wood Slats (we used pine 2x4s)

You can easily make the slats on a table saw with scrap wood (or purchase them at your local craft store). I used pieces of scrap 2x4s and cut them to the thicknesses as indicated below.

We made them two different thicknesses to give the flag some depth; however, this is totally optional.

We cut 2x4s accordingly:

Wood Spacers (optional)

Wood spacers are only required if you opted to cut slats at two different thicknesses. Skip these instructions if using slats that are the same thickness.

Eight @ 1/8 x 1 1/2 x 2 inches

Stars

Make a star stencil approximately 2 x 2 inches from heavy paper, card stock, or cardboard. Or, you can purchase wooden stars at craft stores.

Piece of wood at least 2 1/4 x 12 inches x 3/8 inches thick (or, sufficient pieces of wood to make five stars)

Acrylic Craft Paint

We used Barn Red, Navy Blue, and White colors

Golden Oak Stain

Required for making your flag Americana colors; otherwise it is optional.

Miscellaneous Items:

Patriotic American Flag - Construction Steps

Step 1

Begin by cutting wood to lengths and thicknesses as indicated above or purchase slats at your local craft store.

ripping 2x4 sections on table saw to make slats

ripping 2x4 sections on table saw to make slats

Splitter removed for photography purposes

Step 2

Create star stencil and layout stars on wood. You could also either purchase a star stencil or purchase wood stars at a local craft store.

using star stencil on wood for flag

Cut out with jigsaw or band saw if making your own stars.

cutting out stars using a band saw

Step 3

Paint the stars white and let dry.

painting the stars for flag white

Step 4

Paint the five 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 18 inches barn red and let dry. Be sure to paint the edges of these as they will show during final assembly.

painting the slats red for the flag

Step 5

Stain the four 3/8 x 1 1/2 x 18 inches golden oak and let dry. It may take two or more applications of stain to achieve the right color.

Step 6

Paint the five 3/8 x 1 1/2 x 6 inches navy blue and let dry.