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

  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. 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. (HERE, I use this for outdoors) Here’s a flag I used dark wax on for a vintage look.

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​)        

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.