You know I can’t resist when someone offers me some free goodies, especially when they say they’re going to BURN THEM.{{gasp}} If you’ve been following over the last few months, you know I was bestowed with the stash-to-end-all-stashes of cupboard doors. I’m more than halfway through them and am eager to show you how this one is my DIY 4th of July sign.
Here’s is the stash I’m referring to…
See what I mean? eep! (also, notice the American flag flying proudly behind said stash). Today’s project is a must, don’t you say? You see my cupboard door journey in these past posts HERE. Even my kids have joined in with their own projects.
Since so many of you are enjoying my videos, I decided to make one for this tutorial because I am very much a visual learner too. Not only will I have all the steps laid out here, but also feel free to peek at the video tutorial below as well.
With the birth of our nation in the United States coming up, I thought it would be fun to create some patriotic decor. However, this project can be used for any holiday, season, or use. Nevertheless, the basic idea can be utilized to create any kind of art you like, in any color, for any reason.
To get started, here is a list of items you will need to complete this project:
TERMS OF USE: when you create this sign you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own.
- paint brushes
- pastels
- black paint
- white paint
- red paint
- blue paint
- painter’s low tack tape
- strong adhesive spray
- low tack adhesive spray
- keyhole hanger (for wall mount)
- printable stars (see below)
- graphic of your choosing (options are limitless!)
STEP 1
First, as with any DIY project, preparation is key. I’m using a cupboard door for my project, but you can use most any thing you prefer. (plywood, thrifted art, etc.) I begin by using a 2:1 ratio for a vinegar mixture to clean and prep the surface of my door. Also, you could also lightly sand if you would like to add tooth. Keep in mind that I don’t often do that when it’s an item used for decor.
First, I begin by applying a coat of the black paint to the entire door. Notice I’m painting in the direction of the grain. This allows my strokes to flow evenly and that oak grain to get excellent coverage.
Once I let the first coat cure for approximately 2 hours, I apply a second coat of the black to the center panel only. Afterward, this will give me the chalkboard background I’m after. No special chalkboard paint needed.
To get my crisp, clean lines without tape, I use white paint to frame the center panel.
Also, I only apply a light coat of the white because the end result of what I’m after for my DIY 4th of July sign is a rustic appeal. In other words, having the black background allows me to create depth of texture.
STEP 2
Next, it’s time to add the details. My goal was to create a wavy flag sort of backdrop to my chalkboard center panel. Before I added more paint, I printed out a sheet of 1 ½ stars and used my applique method to adhere them. I share the full DIY details in the video below and also demonstrate it in this sign post HERE.
I’ve made available 3 sizes of stars for you to print and use for your own projects. (these are for personal use only, no commercial reproduction or sale)
↓PRINTABLE STARS BELOW↓
Last it’s time to add the color fun. I used my square brush and the blue paint to create a blue field in the top corner. Again, I only used one light coat of paint over the stars and let cure.
Meanwhile, I let the blue paint cure and then worked on the stripes on the opposing corner of the door. I lightly drew in a few wavy stripes and then I fill in the stripes with the red paint.
STEP 3
When both colors had cured, I pulled off my stars that I had tacked on earlier. Likewise, you can see the rustic result I was after came out just as I’d hoped. However, if you would prefer clean lines, you could topcoat your white layer with a poly before adding the stars too. That aids in a clean removal.
STEP 4
Last, but not least, it’s time to add our typography. Again, with this project you could create most any kind of sign or art as the sky’s the limit. I created a graphic in my software and then applied using my transfer method.
In addition to a little distressing, I also add a bit of brown wax to age my project. These brushes are great for many uses as I’ve shown in these past posts. Also, if you like, you can add the keyhole hardware mentioned above for wall mount or simply rest your sign on a surface.
THE REVEAL
Finally, our DIY 4th of July sign is done and ready to celebrate our national holiday.
Remember, while I created this for to celebrate the birth of the United States, this sign could certainly have been made for any occasion. What would you create it to celebrate? (Christmas, Easter, any old day?)
I had a blast creating this to share with you. Likewise, I hope you had fun too! My goal was to inspire you to get creative with those cast-offs and make art for your home.
If you’d like to own this sign, you can find it available in my online store for purchase along with all the other goodies for you.
Also, I’d like to send a huge thank you to our troops who defend our country night and day, allowing me to have the freedoms I enjoy. I salute you!
SHARE
Additionally, pin and share this DIY 4th of July sign tutorial to inspire others. Sharing is fun!
Up next, JC and I are sharing our latest addition to our home…HEAD HERE to see.
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In addition, more projects like my DIY 4th of July sign:
What a Great 4th of July sign or one that can be put out anytime of the year.
Thanks! Super fun for me to share and create. I just love the versatility of chalkboards.
I love your creativity!
Sending you hugs, Kim! 😀
I love how you made the flag ‘wave’! Perfect way to reuse cupboard doors! I need to paint a houseful of trim, and these brushes would be a very welcome bonus! Happy dance to whoever wins them! God bless America!!
Yay! I’m happy to hear you like my vision for this door. You sound like me with the load of work. Here’s to DIY and the freedom we have in the good ol’ USA!
The first thing I would paint is continuing my kitchen cabinets. They may all get done someday. Lol Neat piece!!
Thanks!
I love the sign. It is so great.
Thank you. 🙂
Hi Larissa! I would have never thought of making a chalkboard sign out of a cabinet door. I want to try this now. I love you patriotic sign. God Bless you and our Country
Hooray! That’s what I like to hear, Cheryl. Thank you!
You did a fantastic job! I would love to have this sign in my home!??
You are so sweet, Dale. Thank you! This one sold lightning fast, and I hope to make more in different sizes. Let me know if you’re interested.
What an awesome sign!!
Hooray! I’m so tickled you like it. Thanks!
Larissa another great project. I love how this turned out and what great way to show patriotism. Bless the men and women that make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Cindy
Thank you so much. I’m definitely a fan of the USA! 😀
I have some chairs and a dresserd I would like to paint.
What a stash of cupboards! I love to have some of your stash :). I loved your DIY and your show of patriotism. Thanks for the sharing. I think the first thing I would love to paint with the Zibra brushes are some old picture frames that I have.
Right?! I was so blessed to receive them. Thanks so much for the love on my work. I know you’ll love these brushes, Lisa. 😀
This was awesome!….I even already have a stack of ready to go cabinet doors…LOVE any celebration!….
Thank you for sharing your talent with us!!!
You go girl!! Sounds like you have some DIY fun on the horizon. My pleasure to share. 😉
What a terrific sign! I love how the flag is acting as the background for the sign. I would love to try the zibra brushes on many of my projects. I’m a sucker for curly cues and carved edges on furniture. I think these brushes would make my job a lot easier! Happy 4th and thanks for sharing! Mary
Thanks! I was inspired by a vignette I once saw with an old flag. You sound like my twin, Mary. tee hee!
I love the rustic chalky look of this sign! I’m going to be painting my end tables soon! I know I keep saying that, but this time I mean it ?
Nice sign! I love those brushes! I’d probably tackle a dresser.
Thanks! Sounds good.
Nice job Larrisa!
Thank you, Kelly. 😀
Larissa, I just love this rustic sign! What a great job! Thank you for the inspiration.
Happy dance! That’s so fun to hear as I truly enjoy creating. Thank you, Cate!
I have a few old cabinet doors in my basement, so I’d use my Zibra brushes to make a “Welcome to Our Porch” sign!
Fun!
I have an old table in my craft room that came from my grandfather’s and father’s bakery. It is in dire need of a sprucing up, so that would be my project.
Love all your posts/ideas/creativity! Thanks for sharing your awesome skills.
Sounds like a sweet treasure. My absolute joy to share. Thanks, Fran!
Love the 4Th of July sign. I want to put it in our living room.
How wonderful to hear! Thank you, Peggie. I may make more in different sizes, so let me know if you’re interested via email.
How awesome! Your creativity always amazes me. I would love to try my hand at making one of these and since I have several old cabinet doors I could try to make one for each holiday!
That’s the spirit, Michele!! Yay! I am tickled to hear it. Thank you!
Love the re-use of all those cupboard doors! I could use a few myself!
Hooray! I am so glad I was bestowed such a gift. Thanks for the love, Melinda.
Larissa, Great job! Love The Americana theme! Thanks for sharing your creative ideas! It is always fun to see what you’re up to.
It’s truly so fun for me to share. Thank you!
Well done Larissa, so pretty and you make it look very do-able, thank you!
You are sweet to say so, Mary. What fun this was…thanks!
it looks great and perfect for Flag Day too – Friday, June 14th!
Yes! Thanks so much, Gwen.
I just found your website today! We are buying our first house and the list of all the things we’d like to DIY is getting long! I really appreciate your projects you’ve posted, and the confidence you encourage us readers to have. I have been on the fence about some projects, but after reading through how your family did it, I feel like we can do it, too! We have been on a thrifting/free pick-up binge and just got a really nice arts & crafts style dresser set. My daughter and I will sand it, and if we win this set of brushes, paint with them! May God bless us all!))
Hi Kaleria! I’m so tickled to have you join me on my DIY journey. Your words mean so much to me as I try to share relevant topics that others can take and use on their own. Sending hugs!
Wow Larissa, you certainly are going through your stash of cupboard doors! You and your children have created such beautiful and imaginative decor using these doors! Well done on this patriotic sign, I love how unique this is!!
Imma tryin’! I need to get my workshop emptied and redesigned before winter. Time’s awastin’! 😀 Thank you for the love on my work, Kaycee.
Such a neat idea and recycling too!
I would paint some craft and home projects I’ve been putting off.
Thank you bunches, Sherry!
I would paint my China cabinet! I have wanted to update it forever and have been putting if off. Awesome giveaway!
You will just love these brushes. Yay!
That is really a lovely repurpose Larissa. I love patriotic decor.
Thank you, Mary. You need one for Greece and USA…that would be a fun project to try. 😀
I love this sign! The way you placed the stars and stripes was very creative. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Jo Ann. I had fun!
I’m VERY into DIY and love to repurpose all kinds of things. I am deeply patriotic and I’m grateful for & appreciate the time & service of our armed forces and first responders.
I love this idea. I have a stash of cupboard doors, not as big as yours, but I love this idea for using some. I have given some of my repurposed doors away as gifts and think its a great use of these doors!
The sign looks great! I think Im going to look for some cabinet doors.
The first thing i would paint with my Zibra brushes is a cute livingroom chair that needs reupholstering too.
Yahoo! That’s so fun to hear. Thanks!
I am planning on redoing a floor jewelry box. Trying to find a place that sells nice paint.
Sounds like fun! 😀
Love this!
Thank you, Lisa!
I enjoy your blog and youtube videos. You are very talented and it’s kind of you to share your ideas.
Those kinds of comments really make my day. I try! 😀 Thank you.
You always have such great ideas ! would love to win these awesome brushes
Thank you for the awesome love, Janet.
As always … another great idea!! Thanks for all your inspiration!!!
Thank you, Michele!
Love the sign and a little jealous of your stash of doors!
aww…tee hee! Thank you!
Larissa! I’m blown away. I was expecting a simple painted flag. I love how you incorporated the flag with the quote. Wow!!
aww…thank you, Kim. This was fun for me to make my vision come alive.