Flag-Inspired Wall Plaque

Step 2:

1. Sand plaque and remove dust. Apply strips of painter’s tape in a stripe pattern to create a flag effect and to minimize dye bleed.

2. Shake all dye bottles before measuring dye. Measure and mix 2 Tablespoons Scarlet dye with 1 cup hot water in microwaveable container. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for one minute. After steam has safely escaped, pour dye into disposable container. Rinse microwaveable container thoroughly for later use.

3. Use sponge brush to apply Scarlet dye to exposed wood plaque on the front, sides and back. Apply multiple coats to achieve desired color. Allow to dry thoroughly.

4. Apply thick coat of decoupage medium to entire plaque to seal. Dry thoroughly.

Step 3:

5. Wearing latex gloves, measure and mix 1Tablespoon Navy Blue dye with 2 Tablespoons hot tap water in disposable container. Brush onto watercolor paper with sponge brush.

6. Pour small amount of full strength Denim Blue dye into small disposable container. Brush onto watercolor paper with sponge brush. Line microwave with several layers of paper towels. Microwave on high for 1 minute to dry. Repeat until desired color is reached.

Step 4:

7. Wearing latex gloves, measure and mix 2 Tablespoon Evening Blue dye in 1 ½ cups water in microwaveable container; stir well. Immerse Cotton Bakers’ Twine in dye solution. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave 1 ½ minutes on high. After steam has safely escaped, pour dye and twine into disposable container. Allow twine to sit in dye bath several minutes; then rinse excess dye from twine using cold running water. Allow twine to dry.

Step 5:

8. Cut white textured paper into 3 strips, 11 ½” x 1 ½” each. Use sponge brush to apply decoupage medium to front of plaque in first stripe area, as well as back of first paper strip. Attach paper strip to front of plaque and press firmly to smooth. Repeat with remaining paper strips. Apply coat of decoupage medium over front of plaque and over paper strips.

Step 6:

9. Cut blue-dyed watercolor paper to 6 ¼” x 4 ¾”. Emboss paper using paisley embossing folder and machine, following manufacturer’s directions. Seal front and back of paper using decoupage medium and dry completely.

10. Decoupage embossed paper to top left of plaque and press firmly to attach. Apply additional coat of decoupage medium over embossed paper.

Step 7:

12. Separate 4-ply Evening Blue dyed twine into 1-strand and 3-strand pieces. Tie large white buttons using 3-strand twine; trim ends. Tie small white buttons using 1-strand twine; trim ends. Glue buttons onto blue flag field using liquid glue.