How to craft a wooden American flag for doll decor...

       Our dolls wanted a decorative flag featured above their picnic buffet for the 4th of July celebrations this year. Here is how we made it... 

The finished wooden American flag ready for hanging.

 Supply List:

• star patterned napkin
• Mod Podge
• white school glue
• scrap cardboard (recycled cereal box)
• large tongue depressors
• acrylic paints: brown white and red
• masking tape
• wire

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut a scrap piece of cardboard from a recycled cereal box for your doll's flag to be glued onto. This backing will make your project stronger and easier to hang. Make sure that the large tongue depressors that have rounded edges will cover the cardboard support completely. You only want the decorative flag to show after it has been hung in the dollhouse or over a 4th of July buffet.
2. Glue the wooden tongue depressors side-by-side, in an even row using white school glue.
3. Stack heavy books on top of the wooden flag to keep it flat while it dries.
4. After the flag has dried, cut star designed napkin pieces to form a square in the far left hand corner of the American flag.
5. Paint every other tongue depressor red and leave the remaining ones stained (painted brown). Use a dry brush to make the wooden flag look old/antique. You can also sand your project lightly to give a similar patina to a dry-brushed surface if this is an easier approach for you.
6. Use wire or string to make a hanger on the back. Secure this with tape.