This anchor sign was made for the 4th of July using Dollar Tree supplies! It’s easy to make and adds a touch of patriotic bling to your decor.

Skills Required: Intermediate. You should have experience with Mod Podge and napkins to do this project. It’s a little more difficult than normal with the shape of the wood.

4th of July anchor sign with dollar tree supplies

Hi friends! I’m so excited to share this Fourth of July craft with you today. Why? Because I have a weird obsession with anchors . . . I like stars . . . and I also love Dollar Tree shopping.

Which is where this anchor came from in the first place!

If you saw my nautical 4th of July wall decor, I explained how I was enjoying their summer display when I found that wood boat wheel. Well – on that same trip, I found this wood anchor!

I grabbed some stars left over from the fireworks plaque project I did, and also used the red and dark blue glitter paints from that craft.

And that’s how this 4th of July anchor sign was born!

There was no doubt that I wanted to use the glitter paint again in another Fourth of July decor project. I mean . . . it’s so sparkly and fun!

Add to that – I’ve been doing more paper napkin decoupage lately. And if you’ve never tried this “iron on” method of Mod Podge, you’ve got to give it a try – I promise it’s for you.

There’s some painting in this project, but it’s relaxing. Just take your time and enjoy the process of making this anchor sign. First, here’s what you’re going to need.

Gather These Supplies

Large wood anchor shape – Dollar Tree
Small wood anchor
Wood stars – 3
Wood letters – spelling OH BUOY
Craft paint – white, silver metallic, dark blue, red
Glitterific paint – red, dark blue
Mod Podge Matte
Red, white, and blue striped napkin
Baker’s twine – red and white
Hot glue gun and hot glue
Craft glue
Mini craft iron
Parchment paper
Emery board
Scissors
Clear acrylic sealer (optional)

Tips and Thoughts for This Project

You don’t *have* to paint the anchor white, however, it makes the colors of the napkin pop. Since it’s easy to do, I always do it. You can use spray paint, but craft paint is cheaper and just as fast with a roller.

Use a basic formula of Mod Podge. The finish is below the napkin, so it doesn’t matter which one because you won’t see it. I recommend Gloss, Matte, or Satin.

I didn’t seal the napkin on top with Mod Podge. You can, but it might wrinkle. If it does, you can re-iron it (use the parchment paper again). Another option is to use a clear acrylic sealer on top (spray). Apply after the napkin sets and then let dry.

You might want to use craft glue with the letters and stars because it doesn’t dry right away. You can move the letters around slightly after placing to make sure you’re happy before they dry.

Get the printable how to card for this project below:

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4 from 2 votes

4th of July Anchor Sign

Learn how to decorate a wood anchor from Dollar Tree for the Fourth! This is a fun patriotic craft.

Prep Time15

Active Time2 30

Dry Time2

Total Time4 45

Yield: sign

Cost: $5

Equipment

Materials

1 Large wood anchor shape
1 Small wood anchor
3 Wood star(s)
6 Wood letter(s) spelling OH BUOY
Craft paint white, silver metallic, dark blue, red
FolkArt Glitterific red, dark blue
Mod Podge Matte
1 Red, white, and blue striped napkin
Baker's twine red and white
Craft glue
Parchment paper
Clear acrylic spray sealer optional

Instructions

Paint the wood using white craft paint. Roll on one side, let dry, and flip over. Paint other side and let dry.
Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the wood; don't do the edges. Let dry 15-20 minutes and repeat.
While the Mod Podge is drying, separate the napkin from the bottom layers. You can use tape to help. You just want the top layer with the design.
Place the napkin down onto the wood and align. Place a piece of parchment paper on top of the napkin, and run the craft iron across the top several times. While you are doing this, the Mod Podge is melting below the napkin, and the napkin is adhering. Keep going until the napkin is fully adhered, including the edges
Let the wood cool after ironing. Use an emery board to gently sand away the excess napkin. Sanding at an angle works very well. Continue until all the extra napkin is removed. It's going to take a minute to get around all the edges.
Paint the anchor, stars, and wood letters with the craft paint colors of your choice. Don't forget to paint the edges. Let dry.
Use a spouncer to apply glitter to the top of the stars and to the anchor. Let dry and apply as many coats as desired.
Glue down all the wood embellishments. I attached the wood letters, the stars, and the star to the front of the anchor.
Cut a long length of red and white twine. Hot glue one end to the anchor and wrap around several times. Glue in place again and let set.
Tie around the top of the wood anchor to hang off, and knot in place. Use the remaining twine to hang (trim with scissors).

If you enjoyed decorating this wood anchor, let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other posts I think you’ll like: