American Flag Upcycled Crib

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American Flag Upcycled Crib

What do you do if your babies have outgrown the crib? Restyle that crib into an American Flag Upcycled Crib. With so many patriotic holidays in the summer, you will be able to enjoy it for several months. Let freedom ring on your front porch or patio!

Things You Need:

Acrylic enamel craft paint-red, white and blue
Acrylic craft paint-brown
Floetrol
Paintbrushes, ruler, pencil, sandpaper, rags
Small star stencil, stencil brush
Ribbon or fabric for bows
4 silver jingle bells-1 1/2″ (optional)
Scrap wood
Patriotic phrase stencil
Craft wire, wire cutters and drill

Prepare the Crib

I did not add the tools needed for preparing your crib to the project’s “Things You Need” list as every crib will be a bit different and the tools you will need are pretty self-explanatory.

Also, please note, I didn’t use a lot of measurements in explaining this project. Styles and age of the cribs make precise measurements impossible. Don’t worry, I’ll talk you through how to figure your own.

  • Remove the hardware from your crib. You can just do the one side panel you will be working with, but I removed all of it so I can bypass that step the next time I am making a crib project.
  • Clean the side panel you are using until it shines. 😉 Remember all those boogies, slobbers and those diapers your child decided to change on their own…Uh huh, I thought so. You’re gonna want to make sure all that DNA has been completed removed.
  • Cut off the ends of the top and bottom rails. Mine were cut about 1″ from the last vertical spindles.

Painting the Crib Flag

Step 1: Ignore the brown paint in the supply list for now. This project uses the three colors of the American flag. Paint the entire crib side (front and back) using white acrylic enamel craft paint. Applying more than one coat is up to your preference. You will be antiquing the entire flag after is has been painted so two coats may seem like tedious overkill. Uhm…not that I would know anything about that… 😉

Measure the Stripes

Step 2: You have arrived at the step for measurement decisions. I wanted 13 stripes like a real flag so I planned my measurements with that in mind. The top and bottom rails were designated as the first and last red stripes. This left me with 11 remaining stripes. After measuring the distance between the top and bottom rails, I divided that number by 11. This is how wide each of the stripes on my vertical rails would be. Do not mark at this time.

Measure the Blue Field

Step 3: My crib side had 16 vertical spindles. I chose to use 6 for the width of my blue field. To determine the length of the field, ignore the top and bottom rails for the time being. This leaves you with 11 stripes. You will need 6 stripes beside the blue field and 5 stripes below it. Mark the right-hand and bottom sides of the blue field using a pencil. The top rail above the blue field will also be blue.

Step 4: Paint the blue field using blue acrylic enamel craft paint. Paint all the way around. Front and back.

Step 5: Paint the remainder of the top rail and all of the bottom rail red. Front and back, top and bottom.

Step 6: Mark the red stripes on the first spindle beside the blue field. Mark from top rail to bottom rail. Paint the red stripes all the way around. Remember the white stripes are already painted from Step 1. The reason I started with this spindle is because it lines up perfectly with the blue field and it is very easy to become confused and paint red where it should be white. Ask me how I know that can happen.

Step 7: Now, if you haven’t lost your mind by now…and haven’t gotten to the point where you are questioning your sanity of doing this project in the first place…keep going. Working out from this spindle, mark all of your stripes on the spindles. Paint the stripes outward from the first spindle painted.

Paint Stars on Field

Step 8: If you have finally completed Step 7, it’s time for a glass of wine…or two. I honestly did not think I would ever finish. This is another one that will require decisions based on your crib side. The amount of stars on mine were determined by how they would be spaced on the spindles. I chose areas on the first spindle where a star would fit pretty well and duplicated that on each of the remaining blue field spindles. That made 36 stars. I’m okay with that.

Sand Away Mistakes

Step 9: Huh? Well, if you are reading through the instructions before you begin, that headline has probably got you scratching your head. Just wait. You’ll get here eventually and will be able to appreciate this headline. Trust me. Sand over the front of your flag. Concentrate on hitting the high spots rather than the low, smoother spots.

Time To Age

Step 10: Again, if you are reading this before starting you are probably thinking I am crazy for suggesting you apply something messy over your carefully painted, crisp stripes. Uh…yep. I don’t care how good of a painter you are, by the time you get here, you will realize there is no such thing as a crisply, painted stripe on a bumpy spindle. You will be begging for a way to camouflage your shaky edged stripes. Mix 1 part brown acrylic paint with 2 parts Floetrol. Working one spindle or rail at a time, paint the mixture on the flag and wipe off with a rag. Continue until the entire front and back has been antiqued.

Spiffing Up Your Crib Flag

Step 11: Using ribbon or fabric strips, create large bows for each top corner. Add 1 1/2″ silver bells if desired.

Step 12: Thread craft wire through the back knot of each bow. Using a drill, drill two holes through the top rail on one end. Thread the holes and twist on the back. Repeat on the other end of the rail with the remaining bow.

Step 13: Find or cut a piece of scrap wood that will work for the patriotic phrase stencil you have. Paint the top blue and stencil the phrase using white. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Sand the edges and surface of the sign. FYI: I think my sign was approximately 6 1/2″ x 14″.

Step 14: Place the sign on your crib flag where desired. Drill two holes for each connection through the sign and spindles underneath. Attach with craft wire in the same way as the bows. I used three connections to attach my sign.

Whew!

You! Are! Done!

Sit back with another glass of wine and enjoy summer on the porch!

More Patriotic Inspiration:

Crochet T-Shirt Yarn Farmhouse Tray

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Crochet T-Shirt Yarn
Farmhouse Tray

Upcycle your old t-shirts to make a crochet t-shirt yarn farmhouse tray. The bulky texture of the t-shirt yarn works up quickly. Place this tray on an island to corral spices or condiments, on a table as the base to a centerpiece, or on a buffet to hold napkins and flatware for a crowd.

Crochet Tray “Things You Need”

T-shirt yarn
Clothesline rope
K and N crochet hooks
Hot glue gun
Scissors
Ruler
2 buttons
Old leather belt
Hole punch
Upholstery needle
Hemp cord

Crochet Abbreviations

sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
rnd(s) = round(s)
bl = back loop
beg = beginning
dc = double crochet

Special Notes for Farmhouse Tray

  • My finished t-shirt farmhouse tray measures approximately 3″ tall and 12 1/2″ across. No gauge is given for this project as a sized fit is not important.
  • T-shirt yarn can be purchased, but if you prefer to make your own like I did, you can find my quick tutorial here.
  • Crochet t-shirt farmhouse tray is worked in continuous rnds. Do not join or ch up after each rnd.
  • When crocheting around a clothesline, insert hook through st of previous rnd, yarn over and pull yarn through to front. Send hook over the top of the clothesline and grab the yarn. Pull through both loops on hook. Sc made.
  • Rnd 10 is the last rnd I made for my tray’s base. If you prefer a smaller base, simply omit previous rnds for your desired size. If you prefer a larger base, continue rnds of increases until the desired size is achieved.
  • This project does create a sturdy tray, but keep in mind it is not wood or metal. It will flex if it is carried with too much weight inside.

Farmhouse Tray Base

Usually a magic ring is my go to beginning for projects I am working in a rnd, but when using a clothesline in the construction I substitute a ring made from the clothesline. Form a small ring on the end of clothesline rope and secure with hot glue.

Rnd 1: With the clothesline tail of the ring on the top-left, attach the desired color t-shirt yarn to the ring, under the tail. Using an N hook, crochet 8 sc in the ring with the last two overlapping the clothesline connection. (8 sc)

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (16 sc)

Rnd 3: *Sc in the first st, 2 sc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (24 sc)

Rnd 4: *Sc in the first 2 sts, 2 sc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (32 sc)

Rnd 5: *Sc in the first 3 sts, 2 sc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (40 sc)

Rnd 6: *Sc in the first 4 sts, 2 sc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (48 sc)

Rnd 7: *Sc in the first 5 sts, 2 sc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (56 sc)

Rnd 8: *Sc in the first 6 sts, 2 sc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (64 sc)

Rnd 9: *Sc in the first 7 sts, 2 sc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (72 sc)

Rnd 10: *Sc in the first 8 sts, 2 sc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (80 sc) Sl st in the next st. Fasten off both t-shirt yarn and cord.

Crocheted Tray Turning Rim

Since this is a tray, the inside of the base is the side you will see.

Rnd 11: Turn the base with the wrong side facing you. Attach the t-shirt yarn to any st on Rnd 10. Sl st in the bl of each st around.

Rnd 12: Add the clothesline. Sc around in the same bls you made the sl sts of the previous row and over the clothesline and the sl sts. This row may seem bulky, but it will provide a sturdy rim with a sharp turn for beginning the sides.

Rnds 13-14: Sc around.

Rnd 15: Finished Edge-Reverse sc around. Sl st the ends together. Finish off.

Crochet T-Shirt Flowers (Make 2)

Using a K hook and color desired for flowers, form a magic ring.

Row 1: Crochet 9 sc in ring, join with sl st to beg ch 1. Pull the tail to cinch the center closed.

Row 2: Ch 3, work 2 dc at base of ch 3, sl st in next ch. *3 dc in next ch, sl st in next st *, rep from *to * around. (5 petals) Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Finishing Crochet Tray

Step 1: Sew buttons of choice to center of each flower and stitch where desired on tray.

Step 2: Cut two 5″ lengths from an old leather belt. Using an awl or leather hole punch, punch holes on the ends for stitching. My belt already had holes that worked perfectly.

Step 3: Stitch a handle to opposite sides of the tray.

Note: Flex the 5″ belt handles to measure 4″ apart from end to end before attaching. Hemp cord was used to attach the buttons, flowers and handles of the farmhouse tray shown. Embroidery floss, crochet thread or carpet thread are alternative options.

Enjoy!

More Farmhouse Inspiration:

Easter Decor Inspiration #10-Rustic Chopstick Cross Ornament

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Rustic Chopstick Cross Ornament
Easter Decor Inspiration #10

Another quick ornament for your Easter tree. This rustic wood cross ornament is made using chopsticks!

If you haven’t mastered the art of eating Chinese food with chopsticks (and you have a drawer full of them because you opted for a fork instead), then this is the project for you.

This ornament is super quick, super easy and requires only one chopstick.

Things You Will Need:

Chopstick
Brown craft paint and paper towel
Craft wire and cutters
Silver cord and scissors
Small flower
Craft glue or hot glue
Remaining tools: garden pruners, ruler, drill and small bit

Rustic Chopstick Cross Instructions

Step 1:
Cut a 2 1/2″ and a 4″ stick from one chopstick.

Step 2:
The 4″ stick is the vertical part of the cross. Drill a small hole 1/4″ down from one end of the stick. Tip: Take your time and apply light pressure when drilling to prevent cracking the wood.

Step 3:
Stain the sticks of the cross. Using paper towels, apply brown craft paint to the sticks and wipe off immediately.

Step 4:
Lay the 4″ stick on your work surface with the drilled hole at the top and facing upward. Apply a dot of craft or hot glue 1 1/2″ down from the top. Center the 2 1/2″ stick horizontally across the 4″ stick and over the glue. Allow the glue to dry or cool, depending on the type of glue used.

Step 5:
Cut an 9″ length of craft wire. Wrap the wire in a criss-cross fashion around the intersection of the wood cross pieces.

Step 6:
Apply a dot of glue on the front of the cross, over the wire. Place a small flower over the glue.

Step 7:
Thread an 8″ length of thin silver cording through the drilled hole in the wood cross. Knot the ends together to create the hanger.

That’s it! Your Rustic Chopstick Cross Ornament is done!

Now “wash, rinse and repeat” with the rest of those unused chopsticks to fill your Easter tree.

Enjoy!

More Cross Inspiration!

Easter Decor Inspiration #9-Crochet Bunny Egg Pattern

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Crochet Bunny Egg Pattern
Easter Decor Inspiration #9

 

Which came first, the bunny or the egg? Yeah, I know that’s not the way that question is usually worded, but in this case it makes perfect sense. This Crochet Bunny Egg is made with a plastic Easter egg inside.

When I started designing this bunny I was going to use the egg instructions in my Crocheted Egg Pattern for the body, but my local store only had eggs smaller than a chicken egg, duck-size eggs and goose-size eggs. I went with the duck-size eggs and created a new body pattern. If you prefer chicken-size bunny eggs, and can find the eggs, use the crocheted egg pattern for the body.

Things You Will Need:

G-crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn
Plastic Easter egg, duck-size
2 pipe cleaner
Baling twine
Pom poms-(2) 1″ white, (1) 1/2″ pink
Googly eyes-(2) 1/4″
Scissors, ruler, yarn needle
Craft glue and hot glue gun

Abbreviations:

st(s) = stitches
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dec = decrease
rnd(s) = round(s)

Special Notes:

Pattern is worked in continuous rnds. Do not join.
Crochet your bunny in yarn color of your choice.

Bunny Body

Form a magic ring.
Rnd 1: 10 hdc in the ring. Pull the tail to cinch the center closed. (10 hdc)
Rnd 2: 2 hdc in each st around. (20 hdc)
Rnd 3: *hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (30 hdc)
Rnds 4-8: Hdc around.

Insert wide end of the egg into the body. The rest of the body is crocheted with the egg inside.

Rnd 9: *Hdc in next st, dec over next two.* Repeat from * to * around. (20 hdc)
Rnd 10: Hdc around.
Rnd 11: Dec around. (10 hdc)
Rnd 12: Dec around. (5 hdc) Fasten off leaving a tail for sewing.

Thread the tail in the yarn needle. Gather the opening closed. Fasten off and weave in the end. This is the top of the bunny.

Bunny Ears (make 2)

Form a magic ring.
Rnd 1: 4 sc in the ring. Pull the tail to cinch the center closed. (4 sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (8 sc)
Rnd 3: *Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (12 sc)
Rnd 4: *Sc in the first two sts, 2sc in the next.* Repeat from * to * around. (16 sc)
Rnds 5-20: Sc around. After last round, sl st and fasten off with a tail for sewing.

Assembly and Finishing

Step 1: Cut two pipe cleaners 9″ long. Form each into a teardrop shape and twist the ends together. Insert a teardrop into each ear. Using the yarn tails and needle, gather the ears closed. Do not fasten off.
Step 2: Using the same yarn tails, attach the ears to the top of the bunny body, approximately 1″ apart. Fasten tails off and weave in the ends. Bend the ears as desired.


Step 3: Hair Tuft-Wrap white yarn around three fingers, 10 times. Slide the wraps off the fingers and pinch the center. Tie a strand of yarn around the pinch and knot. Trim the ends.


Step 4: Whiskers-Cut two lengths of baling twine 6″ long. Hold together and knot in the center.


Step 5: Using the finished photo as a guide, attach the whiskers, cheeks, nose and hair tuft with hot glue, and the eyes with craft glue.
Step 6: Attach a bow below the cheeks if desired.

Enjoy!

More Bunny Inspiration:

Easter Decor Inspiration #8-Easter Signs With Scrap Wood

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Easter Signs With Scrap Wood
Easter Decor Inspiration #8

Add a little “farmhouse” to your Easter decor with simple Easter signs made with scrap wood.

This is not the first time I’ve made scrap wood signs. As a matter of fact, many themes, seasons and holiday have popped up in my craft room at one time or another. They are a great way to use up even the scrappiest scraps I have and my customers seem to really like them.

Previous Scrap Wood Signs

Scrap Wood Christmas Signs
Rustic Stenciled Signs
Stenciled Signs for Fall

Supplies Needed

For this batch of signs I used scrap boards I saved from an old dresser demolition.

After cutting word stencils on my Silhouette, I measure the length of each one and write the size in the corner. This makes it easy to immediately know what length board I need for each word.

Painting

I dry brushed white over the front of each board.

To keep with the “farmhouse” look, I chose to paint my signs white with black lettering so they could also be used as everyday decor. Choose colors that appeal to you.

Hangers

Hangers were made by drilling holes, adding rusty baling wire and a bit of raffia.

Enjoy!

More Easter Wall Art Inspiration: