Love vintage vibes in a patriotic display? Looking for creative ways to add your own signature style for the Fourth of July and summer? I adore antique spindles and decided to turn them into an antique American flag. I wanted that classic look, white stars paired with red and white stripes, but with a handmade twist. What’s a girl to do when I can’t find real antique spindles? Grab some unfinished ones and make my own! These flags are perfect to mix in with vintage finds at home. Learn an easy and fun way to make DIY vintage spindle American flags for decor! These are perfect for indoor flag sets or adding charm to your outdoor space!

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Table of Contents

1 Craft Supplies: Make DIY Vintage Spindle American Flags for Decor!
2 Make DIY Vintage Spindle American Flags for Decor!

Craft Supplies: Make DIY Vintage Spindle American Flags for Decor!

The craft supplies for this wooden American Flag can be found at any retail store.

Small flags (HERE) or fabric with red and white stripes (HERE), blue fabric with white stars (HERE)
Spindles (HERE, I used)
White ribbon gold trim (optional), very similar (HERE)
Hot glue gun or Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue (HERE)
Warm coffee or tea for staining (optional)
Varathane Aged Wood Accelerator (HERE)
Foam brush (HERE, my favorite)
Plastic, newspaper, or craft paper: I use waxed butcher paper to protect my work surface for all crafts (HERE)
Aleene’s stop fraying (HERE) is optional, but I recommend
Silicone finger protectors (HERE)
Scissors (HERE) The best for crafting!
Dark paste wax (HERE)

Step 1: Prep Flags for a Simple DIY Spindle Makeover

The first step is easy: visit any retail store or Amazon and grab a few small flags. Remove the flags from the wood dowels, no tools needed. Pull them off slowly and watch for staples. You’ll end up with a clean edge, perfect for making your spindle flag.

Step 2: Easy Way to Get That Aged Look

Using a foam brush, I applied a wood accelerator to 9″ spindles and let the spindles dry. I kept it random for that perfect aged look of antique spindles.

Cindy’s Note: I have said in other posts, such as these lime pots (HERE), pieces age differently. This easy technique adds summer vintage vibes.

Step 3: Add a Personal Touch with a Vintage Look

This step’s optional, but I love adding a personal touch with my own signature style and vintage vibes. I soaked the flags in warm coffee on a baking sheet for 10 minutes, then let them dry on a paper towel. They dry quickly, for about 10 minutes. Learn the easy steps to tea stain fabrics in this Christmas stocking post and these DIY pillows. I also added a white ribbon to add a finished look. I used Aleene’s stop fraying (HERE). Fortunately, I knew this would work. I have used this product on other crafts..

Cindy’s Note: If you have dark wax, add a bit of water to the wax. Combine and add it to create a nostalgic feel with your DIY vintage spindle American flags for decor. Rub the dark wax with a lint-free rag. This prevents the wax from being sticky. For wax, add thin coats of outdoor sealer to protect the wax. (HE R E, I use this for outdoors) Here’s a flag I used dark wax on for a vintage look.

make-diy-vintage- spindle-american- flags-for-decor-flags-soaking-in-tea

showing-flag-with-tea-stain-next-to-one-not-stained-with-tea

Step 4: Assemble Your Antique American Flag With Antique Spindles

Heat your hot glue gun. Place the white ribbon on the edge of each flag. This adds a finished look. I wore silicone finger protectors. It prevents burns in case hot glue seeps out.

Place your flag on the spindle and line up so that the edge of the flag is aligned. I let the top of the spindle show, giving the DIY vintage spindle American flags for decor, the appearance of having a finial. Adding a line of hot glue to the spindle works best. Hold the flag to set. I also wore silicone finger protectors. It prevents burns in case hot glue seeps out.

Cindy’s Note: Here’s a link to Aleene’s quick dry glue if you don’t have or want to use a hot glue gun. (HERE)

make-diy-vintage-spindle-american- flags-for-decor-white-ribbon-added-to-flags

Step 5: Display Your Spindle Flag in Creative Ways for Independence Day

This DIY wooden American flag made with vintage spindles is a great way to bring rustic charm to any patriotic display. Perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or summer decor. Each spindle flag adds a nostalgic touch to a wreath, your home, front door, and outdoor decor. By the way, you can see how I made the flags with red and white stripes in this blog post (HERE)

Meaningful Touches That Honor Family and History

This is a special family story. I styled my rustic flag decor with meaningful pieces. My husband’s baseball glove from when he was five, and his dad’s dog tags from World War II and Korea. These mean so much. They remind us of the freedoms we have because of brave sacrifices. The pitcher, dough bowl, and old bread boards also hold memories. Family is everything.

flags-in-a-white-pitcher-baseballs-and-old-painted-spindles

Show Off Your Antique American Flag in Style

Celebrate the Star-Spangled Banner in style and add rustic charm to your home or outdoor space. Try these creative ways to display your antique American flag, featuring white stars and red and white stripes on vintage spindles. Use unique vintage finds from the thrift store, flea markets, or garage sales to make each one your own.

Blue Mason jars
Pitchers
Dough bowls
Urns
Add a spindle flag to your wreath, no extra cost

Display your vintage American flag with old baseballs you find while thrifting, or even the kids’ baseballs. It’s a great way to add charm with no additional cost. Nothing says America like baseball and celebrating the red and white stripes of the Star-Spangled Banner for Independence Day!

Add a personal touch to your patriotic display with blue mason jars or milk glass on a dining table, coffee table, or console table for a rustic, nostalgic feel.

Why didn’t I use wax for this project?

Not everyone has wax and extra cost. Most have tea and coffee. Personally, my vote is for adding wax.

flag-aged-with-wax-hanging-from-a-wreath

Why make rustic flag decor?

This spindle flag comes with little extra cost; it is so much fun and gives you creative license to make your antique spindles with your added personal touch. This antique American flag is perfect for tucking in mason jars, styling the front door, or mixing with other vintage finds for Independence Day. It’s a great way to combine rustic charm and vintage vibes for a patriotic display for Memorial Day. Celebrate the Star-Spangled Banner this Fourth of July with this personal touch in your outdoor space summer decor!

make-diy-vintage-spindle-american- flags-for-decor-two-flags-on-a-baseball-glove-and-baseballs

How do you make a DIY wooden American flag for decor with spindles?

To make a wooden American flag, remove the flag from the pole. Be careful of the staples. A great way to attach your flag to your vintage spindles is with a hot glue gun or Aleene’s tacky glue (HERE). For a finished look, use your hot glue gun or tacky glue and add white ribbon on the edge of the flags. This is an easy way to add rustic charm and vintage vibes to any patriotic display for Independence Day, Memorial Day, or summer decor.

DIY Vintage Spindle American Flags for Decor!

This wooden American flag is a great way to add a personal touch and vintage spindles for any patriotic holiday.

What can I use instead of spindles for rustic flag decor?

Dowels
Reclaimed wood
Furniture legs
Porch posts

a-flag-laying-on-an-old-baseball-glove-with-dog-tags-from-world-war-two

Can I use my DIY rustic flag decor in my outdoor space?

These DIY vintage spindle American flags for decor can be used outdoors. If you want them to be weatherproof, use a weather-safe glue. Also, seal the wood with an outdoor-safe sealant (HERE). Our front door is protected from rain. I added this sealer to the flag on the wreath on our front porch, and it works great.

Where to find vintage spindles?

Look for old spindles at the:

Thrift store
Flea markets
Salvage yards
Garage sales
Antique store

These vintage finds are perfect for adding your own signature style to patriotic crafts without the extra cost. It’s an easy way to bring vintage charm to your summer decor! and a Fourth of July celebration!

Make DIY Spindle Flags and Find Creative Ways to Display Them

Go ahead and make DIY Vintage Spindle American Flags for Decor! Add your own signature style and take creative license with colors, finishes, and how you display them. Whether you keep the white stars crisp or give them an aged look, it’s so much fun creating something unique for Independence Day. These flags look great on a wreath for the front door or mixed into your outdoor decor to bring charm and personality to your patriotic celebration.

Shop the post: Click image and shop

Make DIY Vintage Spindle American Flags for Decor!

These flags are perfect to mix in with vintage finds at home. Learn an easy and fun way to make DIY vintage spindle American flags for decor! These are perfect for indoor flag sets or adding charm to your outdoor space!

Keyword: aged look, antique american flag, antique spindles, baking sheet, craft supplies, creative license, creative ways, dark wax, extra cost, flea markets, foam brush, fourth of july, front door, garage sales, hot glue gun, independence day, mason jars, memorial day, much fun, nostalgic feel, outdoor decor, outdoor space, own signature style, paper towel, personal touch, rustic charm, rustic flag decor, spindle flag, star-spangled banner, summer decor, thrift store, vintage finds, vintage spindles, vintage vibes, white stars, white stripes, wooden amarican flag, wooden stars

Yield: 5 flags

Cost: $10

Notes

Make DIY Vintage Spindle American Flags for Decor!

Craft Supplies:

The craft supplies for this wooden American Flag can be found at any retail store.

- Small flags (HERE) or fabric with red and white stripes (HERE), blue fabric with white stars (HERE)

- Spindles (HERE, I used)

- White ribbon gold trim (optional), very similar (HERE)

- Hot glue gun or Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue (HERE)

- Warm coffee or tea for staining (optional)

- Varathane Aged Wood Accelerator (HERE)

- Foam brush (HERE, my favorite)

- Plastic, newspaper, or craft paper: I use waxed butcher paper to protect my work surface for all crafts (HERE)

- Aleene’s stop fraying (HERE) is optional, but I recommend

- Silicone finger protectors (HERE)

- Scissors (HERE) The best for crafting!

- Dark paste wax (HERE)

Step 1: Prep Flags for a Simple DIY Spindle Makeover

Step 2: Easy Way to Get That Aged Look

Using a foam brush, I applied a wood accelerator to 9″ spindles and let the spindles dry. I kept it random for that perfect aged look of antique spindles.

Cindy’s Note: I have said in other posts, such as these lime pots (HERE), pieces age differently. This easy technique adds summer vintage vibes.

Step 3: Add a Personal Touch with a Vintage Look

This step’s optional, but I love adding a personal touch with my own signature style and vintage vibes. I soaked the flags in warm coffee on a baking sheet for 10 minutes, then let them dry on a paper towel. They dry quickly, for about 10 minutes. I also added a white ribbon to add a finished look. I used Aleene’s stop fraying (HERE). Fortunately, I knew this would work. I have used this product on other crafts..

Step 4: Assemble Your Antique American Flag With Antique Spindles

Heat your hot glue gun. Place your flag on the spindle and line up so that the edge of the flag is aligned. I let the top of the spindle show, giving each DIY vintage spindle American flags for decor, the appearance of having a finial. Add a line of hot glue to the spindle. Hold the flag to set.

Cindy’s Note: Aleene’s quick dry glue also works. (HERE)