Every time I think I am done decorating for the 4th of July, another adorable Patriotic project idea pops into my head to share with all of my crafting buddies. I just can’t help myself.
In this simple DIY project, we will master the art of decoupage with an unbelievably easy dry technique. We will also learn some strategies to create a “Chippy distressed” look that you will use time and time again in any number of your crafting projects. Oh, and how can I forget… we will become masters of our Cricut Joy as we apply a heat transfer vinyl to wood. After you finish this project, you will take the term “Made in the USA”, to the next level. So let’s get started!
If you like this Red, White, and Blue project, be sure to check out some of my other posts:
How to apply Heat Transfer Vinyl to Wood
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- Wooden Board 6×6 (Amazon link) tip* use scrap wood instead
- Mod Podge
- Paint brush
- Flag 2-ply Napkins (design of your choice)
- Heat gun
- Little Iron (Amazon link)
- Sanding block
- Ink Pad
- House Shaped Wooden Board
- Plastic Glove
- Dixie Bell VooDoo Stain – Burnt Umber
- Baby wipes
- Vaseline
- Waverly White chalk paint
- Putty knife
- Cricut Joy
- Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl – HTV Roll (Heat Transfer Vinyl)
- Cricut Heat Press
- Pledge of Allegiance – Design Bundles (Link)
- Dry cloth
STEPS for heat transfer for vinyl to wood:
1 – To begin, wipe down your wood to remove any debris.
2 – Grab your Mod Podge and brush a thin layer over the top of your square wooden board to begin the “Dry Technique”.
3 – Use a heat gun to speed up the drying process.
4 – With your flag napkin, peel apart the 2-ply into 2 separate sections (plain ply and flag design ply)
5 – Apply the section you wish to transfer from your flag design napkins onto your wooden board. Place a piece of parchment paper over the top.
6 – Grab your little iron (any iron works) and apply your napkin to your board to complete the “Dry technique” process. The heat from the iron helps the napkin adhere to the Mod Podge on your board. It also helps smooth out any wrinkles as you go. Tip* If you want your colors to really pop under the napkin applied, just simply add a step of painting your wooden board white to begin, before you apply your Mod Podge.
7 – Use a sanding block to carefully rub off the edges of your napkin that weren’t used to cover your board. This gives it an aged look.
8 – Grab your ink pad and go around the edges of your wooden board to add a distressed look.
9 – Set aside.
10 – Grab your home-shaped piece of wood. Wearing a plastic glove, sand off your raw piece of wood with a 100 grit sanding block. This just gives your board a clean feel before we get to work.
11 – Wipe off any debris to begin with a clean surface.
12 – Keep the glove on, grab your VooDoo Stain, and a baby wipe. Squirt a bit out directly onto your board and blend all over with your baby wipe. Don’t forget to do the sides and back of your wooden board. Just a thin layer of stain will do the trick.
13 – Use a heat gun to speed up the drying process.
14 – To create a “Chippy look”, grab some Vaseline. Apply a tiny bit with your finger on the edges of the flat surface of your wooden board. This will repel the paint we put over the top creating a fun “chippy look.”
15 – Next with Waverly White chalk paint and your brush, completely cover your wooden board. Don’t worry if your edges and paint job aren’t perfect. It gives your project a great, distressed look.
16 – With a heat gun, dry the board a bit.
17 – To continue in creating the “Chippy look,” grab a putty knife and begin to scrape all over your board in an upward, straight motion. Remember on the edges where you placed the Vaseline, you will see the paint begin to “chip” off.
18 – When using the Cricut Joy, you can use regular vinyl if you use the mat. But if you use their smart vinyl, you do not need to use the mat. I am using smart vinyl for this project.
19 – Using your Cricut Joy and your smartphone, load your Cricut Joy Smart-Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV). Remember to MIRROR your image for application onto your board. Wait patiently for your Pledge of Allegiance to be created.
20 – As you wait, with a 200 grit sanding block, just give your board a good scrub. Be sure to wipe off excess debris.
21 – Once your vinyl transfer is complete, cut off the excess vinyl that you do not need for your transfer.
22 – With a little tool, peel off the back of your vinyl transfer. Carefully weed out any spots in your vinyl letters to make sure your transfer is correct before you apply to the board. Tip* This can be tedious, but the HTV roll makes it so much easier to complete.
23 – Using the heat press, we will set it to 300 degrees, for 45 seconds to apply it to your wooden board. Tip* Go to cricut.com and type in “Heat guide,” it will give you how long to use the heat press for whatever material you happen to be using.
24 – Place your transfer up a little higher on the center of your house-shaped board. Be sure you place it on straight before you begin to add the heat. Tip* I am doing this since it is a set, with the previous flag wooden block project we set aside from the beginning.
25 – Place some parchment paper over the top of your vinyl, and grab your heat press. Apply on your wooden board for the required amount of time, 45 seconds @ 300 degrees.
26 – Remove your heat press and parchment paper. Allow it to cool a bit.
27 – Carefully run your hands/dry cloth over the transfer. Be sure to let it cool, since a cold peel is necessary. With your small tool, peel back the transfer paper slowly.
28 – Apply a sealer over the top if you want. I like a matte finish.
There you go! You can pair your Pledge of Allegiance Board with your decoupage flag wooden board. Decorate your coffee table, mantle, dining room table, front entry room, etc. with this adorable DIY home decor. Be sure to tell all of your family and friends that this little craft you just did is “Made in the USA.”
Be sure to pin this tutorial for later so you can know How to apply a heat transfer vinyl to wood!
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