Re-purpose a Pallet into an American Flag

 

One hour craft turns a used pallet into an American Flag decoration. 

It was about a year ago this September when I was introduced to Katie from Maple Grove Place.

Katie shared a post about her American Flag/picket fence project that had me longing for old barn wood and some milk paint. 



http://maplegroveplace.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-make-picket-fence-american-wall.html

There just didn't seem to be time to work on my project,  so I was left remembering the beautiful picket fence flag on Katie's wall, but not making one for myself. Until, one day, some new tires were delivered to our house and they were delivered on A PALLET!!  Not just any pallet but a beautiful, well made but, worn pallet.  I immediately remembered the picket fence flag from Maple Grove, and my creative wheels were turning.   I put the pallet in the corner of the garden and told my family I was saving it for a project. 

May turned to June and June turned to July and I still had not painted my pallet flag. 

July 4th arrived and we had plans.  But before the celebrating began, I actually stole and hour and painted my pallet flag.  The proportions are not as perfect as the picket fence, but it is an interpretation of our flag.  If I had a chance to make another one, there are a few changes I would make but all things considered, I am happy with this one.

Read on for the step by step instructions

I used regular acrylic folk art paint.  I wanted to use milk paint but the store didn't have what I was looking for and I wanted to make the flag!

First I started by marking off the section that would be the blue background, using a piece of white chalk.

Next, I painted the red stripes and then the white stripes of the flag.

Then the blue background for the stars was added.

At this point I had to let the paint dry for a half hour or so.   Just enough time to make the cupcakes for the picnic!

When the paint was dry, I started to mark where the 50 stars would be placed, again using chalk. 
I was going to use this paint pen to paint the stars but I was not happy with the way it painted on the rough wood.  I ended up using a small paintbrush and the white paint.

Here is my finished result.  I even like the chip out of the bottom board.  It reminds me of a tattered old flag that has flown for many years.

I hope that you enjoyed reading about this project.  I thank Katie from Maple Grove for sharing her project last year and inspiring me to make my own wooden flag.