Learn how to make this nautical 4th of July wall decor using dollar store supplies! It easy and looks great as part of a summer display.

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 so many cutout areas.

I’ve been obsessed with paper napkin decoupage for a while now. 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!

I’m going to show you how to apply a napkin to wood, with Mod Podge, to make this nautical 4th of July wall decor.

But first I’ve got some splainin’ to do!

How did this Fourth of July craft come to be? Well, I was at Dollar Tree minding my own business, like always, when I came up to the summer section. All of their craft supplies catch my eye – every single time!

Sparkly Nautical 4th of July Wall Decor on a Budget

Especially the wood surfaces, because they are so cheap. And so easy to make into something fun. Like decor.

I happen to have a surplus of seasonal napkins, and a blue and red plaid one from my stash was begging for a surface. I saw this nautical wood wheel and knew I wanted to use that exact napkin. With this exact wheel.

So I did! Then I used some baker’s twine and a “USA” wood word to glam it up – and it’s easy to hang on the wall for the Fourth.

You could also easily use this nautical craft in the middle of a wreath or mesh wreath, don’t you think? I’m going to show you how I made it! First, here’s what you need.

Gather These Supplies

Wood boat wheel shape – Dollar Tree
Wood USA word
Red and blue plaid napkins – JoAnns
Craft paint – white
Spray paint – gold metallic
Glitter paint – hologram or gold
Mod Podge Satin
Baker’s twine – red and white, gold and white
Paintbrushes
Spouncers
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Mini craft iron
Parchment paper
Emery board

Tips and Thoughts for This Project

You don’t *have* to paint the wood white, however, it makes the colors of the napkin pop. It’s also easy to do, so 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 top of the napkins with Mod Podge – it tends to make them wrinkle. If you do seal with Mod Podge and the napkins wrinkle, you can place parchment down and iron over the top again.

You can also use metallic craft paint on your word, I just happened to have a can of gold spray paint from another project. Use what you have, right?

Get the printable how to card for this project below:

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4.34 from 3 votes

Nautical 4th of July Wall Decor

Learn how to make this nautical themed 4th of July wall decor using inexpensive supplies! The boat wheel shape is from Dollar Tree.

Prep Time20

Active Time2 30

Dry Time1

Total Time3 50

Yield: sign

Cost: $5

Equipment

Materials

Wood boat wheel shape
Wood word USA
Red and blue plaid napkins
Craft paint white
Spray paint gold metallic
Glitter paint hologram or gold
Mod Podge Satin
Baker's twine red and white, gold and white
Parchment paper

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. Make sure to cover everything.
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 into those crevices!
Cut a length of baker's twine to wrap on each handle. Glue the twine to the back with hot glue and let set. Wrap the twine around and glue again to secure. Let set and trim. Repeat with all handles.
Spray paint the wood word with gold spray paint. Let dry.
Apply glitter paint to the top of the gold painted word with a spouncer. Let dry and then touch up any areas where paint is missing.
Hot glue the word to the boat wheel. Let set before hanging with red and white baker's twine.

Did you enjoy this craft? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments, or just tell me what you thought. I’d love for you to check out these other projects!