The 4th of July is right around the corner, and it’s really put me in the crafting mood.  I’ve been in a crafting frenzy lately.  (you know it’s bad when you realize it’s 5:00 in the morning & your glue gun is still smoking)  I started my frenzy with a patriotic sign that could be hung on a wall, door, or as you will eventually see, a wreath.

This frenzy started with gift cards that I got for my birthday.  (everyone knows that they can never go wrong with a gift card to a craft store)  I started at Joanne Fabrics, they were having a 70% off sale, and then to Michaels (they had their 4th decorations on a clearance already!)

I found these little wooden rectangles which I base coated with a coat of white acrylic paint:

I wanted to put lettering on the sign.  I could have used stickers, but I didn’t have any on hand, and I wasn’t going back out to get some.  I also wanted to make sure that the lettering was centered.  I came up with the idea for printing out the lettering in a word document.  That way it would be perfectly centered.

I trimmed the paper to fit the little board & used a Bic pen to trace the letters.  The wood is soft enough, that it left a faint imprint that was easy to see.  I used Black Acrylic Paint to paint the lettering on the sign.  I set it aside to dry.

Then I got out my Patriotic Star Stickers. (had to add some sparkle to it)

I placed them around the lettering.

Then I took it outside & gave it a good coat of Krylon Clear Coat.  By adding the clear coat, it can be used in the house or outside.

Next step… you need supplies to hang it.   I used clear fishing line & staples.  The clear fishing line gives the sign the appearance of ‘floating’.   If you want a more country look, you could use string or sisal.

Make a large knot at the end of the fishing line & staple over the line.  The knot, when pulled close to the staple, will be almost invisible.  I stapled over the fishing line on the other side of the sign, but waited to knot it until I had decided how long I wanted it.  Then I cut off the excess fishing line, and put another large knot at the end.  It seems like it’s more work, but it saves time in the long run.

You’re done, and it’s ready to be used any way and anywhere you like.

Wishing everyone a safe holiday.

Happy Creating!