Turn an unfinished wooden crate into a patriotic planter to celebrate Summer.
Turning An Unfinished Wood Crate Into Americana Porch Decor
Have you checked out the craft department at Walmart lately…so much good stuff for projects!! I bought this unfinished wood crate when I spotted it a while back (having no idea what I was going to do with it!!)
Paint
I grabbed red, white, and blue paints from the new Pop Of Color Paints line and got started.
The crate had 3 sections which made painting the three patriotic colors easy!
Once the paints had completely dried, I did one of my favorite painting techniques…which is also super easy. It’s called dry brushing. All you do is dip the end of your paintbrush into the paint (in this case the ecru) and then tap most of the paint off on a paper towel, before lightly brushing it over the piece.
You can see how it picks up the texture of the crate.
Decorate
Next up, I wanted to add a little more patriotic flair to my crate! I had a package of little wood numbers from the Dollar Tree and wood stars from Walmart in my craft stash along with a roll of burlap ribbon.
I traced 5 star shapes on the back of the ribbon and cut them out.
The wood stars got a light & quick coat of red paint.
After it dried, I brushed Mod Podge on one side of the stars.
Then placed the cut out burlap ribbon on top of the star and brushed more Mod Podge on top.
Once the stars were dry it was time to string them together to make a simple garland.
Using jute twine I wrapped the top point of each of the stars leaving a couple of inches of space between each one.
Then I hung it over the crate with 3 stars across the front and the other 2 over the sides.
The final detail was using the Dollar Tree numbers…luckily there were 2 sevens…and making 1776.
A quick coat of the navy paint and I glued them in the red band of the crate.
Celebrate: Finished Patriotic Flower Crate!
Here’s how my DIY patriotic wood crate planter looked when I put it all together!!
The garland looks so cute on it!!!
Deep red geraniums, white lobelia, and some flowing vinca vine were the flowers I used for my patriotic planter.
I had a few small burlap flags in my craft stash (I can’t even remember where I got my hands on those) that were perfect a final touch!
Do you have any old baseballs in your garage??
Pop a few in an oversized mason jar and tie it with a piece of jute twine to add a little more red & white to your porch…is anything more American than baseball??
We are so looking forward to the Summer months and having family over for a BBQ this year!!
Check out my Patriotic Flag Shutter DIY too for more inspo for your Summer decorating!
Have A Terrific Summer!
See your projects featured! If you are inspired by this or any of my other DIY projects I would love to see them and add you to the Reader’s Spotlight gallery. Send a photo to me at jennifer@cottageonbunkerhill.com
xo, Jennifer
20+ ideas
Red, White, and Ready to Decorate
Patriotic Inspiration for Your Home
Now Please Go Check Out All The Patriotic Goodness The Rest Of The Thrifty Style Team Has For You Today!!
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The How To Home – Easy and Inexpensive 4th of July Centerpiece
The Tattered Pew – How To Repurpose A Vintage Soda Crate For Your Yard
Sweet Pea – 16 Patriotic Home Decor and Craft Ideas
What Meegan Makes – DIY Framed Patriotic Wreath Tutorial
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I Should Be Mopping The Floor – Patriotic Paper Chain Garland Printable
Lora B. Create & Ponder – DIY Lake Themed Patriotic Wreath
Our Crafty Mom – 10 Patriotic Home Decor Ideas
Chas’ Crazy Creations – Easy Patriotic Summer DIYs
Cottage On Bunker Hill – DIY Patriotic Wood Crate Planter
Vinyet Etc – Happy Canada Day – Vintage Potting Bench
Postcards From The Ridge – Patriotic Tablescape with Vintage Thrift Store Dishes
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This crate came out SOOO cute!!! It’s the perfect patriotic touch!!!
Thanks, girl!!
This is absolutely adorable, Jennifer! I love that you added the year, too. Makes it even more fun. Happy FOJ! xoxo, Kristi
Thanks so much Kristi!! Happy 4th to you…it’s going to be epic!!
This is so pretty! I love how you styled it with the banner. Thank you for the inspiration. Happy Fourth of July.
Thanks so much Michelle!! That was one of those ideas where you look at your ridiculous pile of crafting supplies and it just comes to you!!!
Your crate idea for patriotic holidays is just adorable. You have thought of so many details that really make ALL the difference. Thanks for the fun idea!
Thanks so much Meegan!!
This turned out great, Jennifer! I love this fun and festive crate, along with that cute garland! What a great idea to use the baseballs in your decor! I think I have a whole bucket in my garage.
Thanks Lynne!!! OMG…we have so many baseballs rolling around our garage!!!
This turned out so cute, Jennifer! And the baseballs in the glass jar; genius;) Love all this Patriotic inspiration!
Thanks Lora!!! I loved all yours too…you are such an inspiration!!
I just love this crate and how you styled it! I decorate with baseballs too. Perfect for summer. Pinned!
Thanks Kelly!!! I could decorate everything with the amount of baseballs we have here!!
Jennifer, this is such a fun little project. I love the painted crate and the way you decorated it. The jar of baseballs is perfect for summer too! Thanks for the tutorial!
Thanks so much Angie!!!
What a great planter and love that it can be kept up all summer long. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks Chas!!!
I love how your crate turned out and the garland is adorable!
Thanks so much Jane!!!
This turned out so cute Jennifer! What a fun project!
Thanks so much Michelle!!
What a great project! I love how you styled it and I am going to copy your idea to put baseballs in a jar.
This is such a great idea. It came out wonderfully!
I love this project so much!!
So cute Jennifer, I love this idea! Especially the addition of the 1776, nice touch!