Spindle Flags for Decor

   

Supplies:

 

• 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

  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: Get the 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), that pieces age differently. This easy technique adds summer vintage vibes.    

Step 3: Add a Personal Touch

  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 vintage-inspired flags for decor. Rub the dark wax with a lint-free rag. This prevents the wax from being sticky. For wax, apply thin coats of outdoor sealer to protect the wax. (HERE), I use this for outdoors) Here’s a flag I used dark wax on to give it a vintage look.  

Step 4: Assemble 

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 patriotic spindle 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.  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​)    

 

Step 5: Display 

  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)