4th of July Crafts and Upcycled Projects

4th of July Crafts and Upcycled Projects

Memorial Day, Flag Day, and July 4th always mean a lot of red, white, and blue throughout the summer here in the USA. Thankfully, thrift stores and yard sales are full of items just waiting for a patriotic makeover! So, if you’re looking for some new star-spangled decor projects to work on, these 4th of July crafts will definitely inspire you.

Painted Vase

patriotic vase for july 4th

Image credit: Virginia Sweetpea.

Glass vases may not be quite a dime a dozen at thrift stores, but they won’t break the bank, either. Which makes them the perfect canvas for a little red, white, and do-it-yourself makeover like this version. But my favorite part of this patriotic vase is the explosion of baby’s breath, which almost looks like a firework in the sky.

DIY Mini Liberty Bell

liberty bell replica from a glass light shade

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

How about a small Liberty Bell to put on your mantel or elsewhere in your home? Believe it or not, but this version of it was made from a glass light shade that came from a thrift store.

4th of July Crafts with Clothespins

clothespin wreath for july 4th

Image credit: My Repurposed Life.

There are so many ways to craft with clothespins, both the peg and clip versions. And you can often find bags of them at thrift stores or creative reuse centers on the cheap. Why not turn some of them into this festive clothespin wreath with patriotic flair?

July 4th Centerpiece

Star embroidery on a vintage colander as a patriotic centerpiece

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

A vintage colander with star-shaped drainage holes is underappreciated in the kitchen. But given a patriotic makeover with some festive stitching? It becomes a patriotic centerpiece like no other.

Americana Tablecloth

no sew tablecloth from bandanas

Image credit: Our Crafty Mom.

Bandanas in red and blue just scream “Americana”, which makes them perfect for 4th of July crafts. Perhaps a tablecloth like this might come in handy for an upcoming BBQ or party. And the best part is that it’s a no-sew project, which makes it super simple for anyone without a sewing machine.

Plaid USA

american flag decor with a buffalo plaid stencil

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Painting something shaped like the USA in buffalo check is a very festive way to celebrate Independence Day! This wall plaque started as a broken clock from the thrift store, but a makeover in red, white, and blue gives it a fresh and festive new look.

American Flag Pillow

diy dropcloth pillow with american flag

Image credit: Confessions of a Serial DIYer.

I can’t pick my favorite part about this DIY pillow project. Is it the clean and classic look that almost makes it seem like it came from a Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren home collection? Or is the fact that it’s made from a drop cloth and an inexpensive flag that’s been vintage-ified?

4th of July Crafts with Burlap

patriotic table runner

Image credit: Domestically Speaking.

Burlap is a favorite fabric of crafters everywhere. It’s inexpensive, easy to work with, and ideal for embellishing. And this patriotic table runner is a perfect example of why it’s so popular.

Vintage Campaign Button Wreath

red white and blue wreath with vintage campaign buttons

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

After the election is over, what do you do with all those campaign buttons? Why, you repurpose them into a festive wreath for your front door! The best part is that you can incorporate any political party you like (or don’t like), and collecting the buttons is a fun scavenger hunt.

4th of July Crafts with Silverware

painting silverware in patriotic colors

Image credit: Hunt & Host/Salvaged Living.

Silverware is one of those things you find at EVERY thrift store. And if it’s not sterling or even silver-plated, then it’s perfect for this 4th of July craft. Painting the forks as flags and spoons as watermelon slices is about as American Summer as it gets, don’t you think?

Vintage-Inspired Patriotic Sign

patriotic sign

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Inspired by the classic signs and posters from World War II, this patriotic sign was made with an old cabinet door. It harkens nostalgia and patriotism, and is the perfect centerpiece on your mantel this summer.

Nautical Banner

patriotic banner or garland for the mantel

Image credit: House of Hawthornes.

Making garlands or banners for your mantel is a wonderful way to celebrate the seasons and holidays each year. And the 4th of July is no exception! Especially when the banner is this cute, with a patriotic AND nautical spin for summer.

Cross Stitched Flag

american flag cross stitch on a cane side table

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Older pieces of cane furniture are easy to find at thrift stores. And if you have one that’s in not-so-great shape, perhaps the cane webbing is itching for a stitching like this American flag version.

4th of July Crafts with Cardboard Tubes

Independence day decorations with fake firecrackers from cardboard tubes

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Firecrackers and July 4th go hand in hand. And you can incorporate them into your July 4th decorations with these silent versions that are made from paper towel cardboard tubes.

Fabric Garland

fabric garland for july 4th

Image credit: Virginia Sweetpea.

If you’ve got a stash of fabric or felt that needs to be used up and there’s some red, white, and blue in the mix, then give this idea a gander. Transform those fabric scraps into a rag garland like this, which is the perfect patriotic touch for your mantel. And, the fabric scraps start to look like sparklers or firecrackers if you squint hard enough!

From Picket Fence to Garden Stake

upcycle idea for fence picket

Image credit: Homeroad.

Extending the life of a picket fence is almost akin to keeping the American Dream alive, isn’t it? Because fence pickets may come down or need replacing, but that doesn’t mean they need to be tossed. Especially when they look so cute painted like a flag and repurposed as a garden stake like this.

Patriotic Necktie Wreath

diy patriotic wreath

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Whether you have a closet full of unworn ties or pick up a few at the thrift store, they are a great source of crafty inspiration. Take this patriotic wreath, for example. Isn’t this a great way to repurpose them AND celebrate July 4th with a fantastic wreath?

Patriotic Planter

stenciled bucket planter for 4th of july decorations

Image credit: Organized Clutter.

A red, white, and blue theme for the porch is perfect for summer. Painting an inexpensive bucket for July 4th makes for a great planter like this, as well.

4th of July Crafts to Make This Summer

decorations for the 4th of july

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Are you feeling a spark of inspiration from any of these 4th of July crafts? There’s truly something for every level of crafter here, and all of them are perfect for adding some festive patriotism to your home and garden this season. AND they’re thrifty, to boot- hard to beat that!

Craft on!

S

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july 4th craft ideas and upcycles

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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.

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