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DIY wood star decor for 4th of July
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4.34 from 3 votes

Wood Star Decor

Make this wooden star decor with a Fourth of July theme! You can customize this idea for any holiday.
Prep Time30 minutes
Active Time2 hours
Dry Time1 hour
Total Time3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 star
Cost: $7

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

  • Tape two pieces of printer paper together to cover the front of the star, using painter's tape. You can use scrap paper or anything that works.
    Two pieces of printer paper taped together with painter's tape
  • Hold the taped paper down and rub the pencil led on the inside edges of the star. The lead will make a line that you can cut on, making your paper the same size as the inside!
    Making a paper template of the star shape
  • Tape the template to the scrapbook paper. Use the scissors to cut on the lines.
    cutting the star shape out of plaid scrapbook paper
  • Check the fit of the paper on the top of the plaque and do any gentle trimming as needed. You can also use an awl or sharp object to help smooth the paper into the edges for fitment. Set the paper aside for the moment.
    Pressing the plaid scrapbook paper into the corners of the star
  • Paint the edge all the way around the wood star with red paint. Let dry.
    Painting the edges of the star with red paint
  • Use a piece of wax from a candle to add wax to the edges of the star. You don't need to rub too hard. Be firm and add wax where you want any distressing.
    Rubbing a white wax candle on the edge of the star
  • Paint over the top of the wax and red paint with white. Do two coats, letting dry after each.
    Painting white paint over the wax
  • Use sandpaper to gently remove white paint and reveal the paint below. If you lightly sand, the paint will come off easily where you applied wax. Continue until the desired amount of distressing is achieved.
    Sanding off the white paint on the star with sandpaper
  • Paint a medium layer of Mod Podge on the inside of the star with a brush, making sure to get all the edges. Work quickly.
    Adding Mod Podge to the center of the wood star
  • Smooth down the paper thoroughly on top of the Mod Podge. You can use a credit card to press down slightly and get into the corners. Wipe away excess Mod Podge that comes out from under the paper with a brush. Let dry for 15-20 minutes.
    Smoothing down the plaid paper with a credit card
  • Top coat the paper with Mod Podge. Let dry, then coat the entire star with Mod Podge, including the edges, to seal.
    Applying Mod Podge to the top of the plaid paper
  • Glue down the tile letters spelling the saying of your choice, using craft glue. Use a ruler to help align the letters if needed.
    Gluing the scrabble tile letters onto the star
  • If desired, attach a ribbon on the back. This gives you the option to hang. Let set before displaying.
    Hot gluing the striped hanging ribbon onto the back of the star