Easy 2×4 Wood Flag Blocks | 4th of July Decor

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I absolutely love these wood flag blocks–they’re simple and adorable. These are a “vintage” project…one of the first ones I posted on my blog years ago, but they’re still a favorite!

2x4 Wood Flag Blocks

These flag blocks are so simple to make, totally inexpensive, easy to buy materials in bulk for them, and super cute! This project can easily be done in a large group, or on your own.

After nearly eight years, these are still a favorite project of many. I’ve taught hundreds of people how to make them at craft nights. They’re always a hit, and everyone loves them.  They’re perfect for decorating your own home, or even giving as gifts.  

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2×4 Wood Flag Blocks

Supplies:

  • 2×4 lumber, cut into these pieces: 2-7 inch blocks, and 4-3.5 inch blocks
  • craft paint and foam brush (see paint colors below) OR spray paint
  • sandpaper
  • stain
  • white cardstock
  • distress ink

Directions:

1. A 2×4 will cost somewhere around $2 ($2.10 at my Home Depot). It will usually come in 8 foot lengths, so one piece of wood will make 3 block sets. That’s 70 cents a piece! The store will cut it for you–just have your measurements ready.

2. Set out your blocks, so you know which of the two sides you want to paint.
This is how it will look:



I used an extra 3.5 block  right behind the star piece. This gave it more stability, helped the star piece sit a little more forward, and made it easier to tie on the ribbon.

3. Paint just the front skinny sides of the wood–one long cream, one long red, one short cream, and one short red. Out of the two remaining 3.5 blocks, you leave one bare, and paint the the bigger side of the second one navy blue. Once they’ve dried, sand it well–making sure to get the corners, and fading the paint so it looks really weathered. Wipe off the dust, then apply the stain– I like Minwax Dark Walnut. (Paint cost: $1 each–I could have made at least 4 out of one bottle–so we’re talking 25 cents each, x 3.)

I’m also very particular about the paint colors I use–especially red. For me, it can’t be too burgundy, or too bright. My favorite it Tompte Red, by Delta (Ceramcoat). I used Navy Blue by FolkArt, and Vanilla, by JoAnn’s. *You can also use spray paint if you like!



4. For the star, I just traced one that I liked, enlarged it on my copier (it’s about 3 inches from point to point), stenciled it onto cream cardstock, then cut it out. I distressed all the edges, and adhered it with double stick tape. You can leave it like this, or mod podge it on for extra security.

5. Stack up your blocks, then tie on your ribbon. I suggest using a wire ribbon–the bow will look great, and hold its shape. (Ribbon cost: This is your biggest variable. Using a 40% off coupon at Michael’s or JoAnn’s, my ribbon would be around $2.50, and I used about a third of it for one set, s0 around 80 cents each.) If you’re making them for a large group, and need to save money, tying jute around the blocks a couple of times around, and then a knot or bow at the top looks just as cute, and much cheaper!

2x4 Wood Flag Blocks

You’re done! From start to finish, you’re talking 30 minutes! Total cost? A little over $2.25 per set. You really can’t beat that!

 

 

 

 

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2x4 Wood Flag Blocks

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25 Comments

  3. these are adorable! i saw something like this a friend had in her display case at home but it was of the texas state flag {which is pretty much the blue block and just the first two stripes instead of the four you used} is there anyone with brains that arent totally fried and better with measurements that could help me configure a texas state flag one like this? I know the ladies in my ward would love this for a super saturday project, but im really not good with dimensions.
    just in case you want to email me:
    kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com
    –thanks in advance for any ideas–

  4. I love this!! I definitely plan on making these in the future. My house is full of your projects- I've made the chore chart and the footstool! :)

  5. I think these are so cute!!
    What a fun project I think I need to make these too! : )

  7. This is perfect!! We had our RS planning meeting yesterday.We are looking for low budget ideas as we have a lot of low income families in our congregation. I am adding this to our list.

  9. I'm not very craftsy – but I think I could do this.. this is too cute!!!

  10. These really are super cute. Now I want to figure out what to paint on the other side so they reversible.
    Ideas?

  14. Those are really great! I love the distressed look. I'll be following you. :o)

  15. I do believe you are my very favorite craft blog! I love all your crafts and I feature a ton of them, including this one on my new craft blog, http://auntielolocrafts.blogspot.com Thanks for all the inspiration!

    Lois

  16. Love, love, love this idea. I need some more detailed direction on the staining step though….please advise. Messed one block up already….don't want to proceed until I find out more. Thanks for your help:)

  17. Okay, staining can be tricky, but here's what I do:

    Just dab your rag in the stain (I use what's on the lid, because it's usually just enough), then blot it on a piece of paper, or something else to get the excess off. Then take your rag and wipe it on your block in smooth, straight lines. Take a clean piece of the rag and again, wipe off any excess. You really don't need much at all.

    Good luck!

  20. LOVE this! Thank you for sharing and for the tutorial! I already made my set and will be helping other sisters at our Relief Society activity on Tuesday :)

  21. Hi! I love these blocks and I featured them on my blog! You can check it out at http://sittingatourkitchentable.blogspot.com/2011/06/me-likey-monday.html

    Have a great week!
    Amy

  22. This is so adorable! I am making one! I am following your blog and would love it if you would follow me back! Have a great 4th!

  23. Thank you for all of the specifics! So cute, I'm so going to do this. It's so cute!

  24. I featured your blocks as one of the 4th of July projects I wish I would have made. I absolutely love them!

    http://thejunkhouse.blogspot.com/2011/07/happy-4th-of-july.html

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