Stay true to the Red, White and Blue! Giving new materials a time-honored appeal creates a fresh tradition for celebrating our states or memorializing our heroes. A great accent for americana decor too!

by Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas

SHOPPING LIST

Design Master COLORTOOL® Spray 757 Glossy Wood Tone

Design Master Just For Flowers® 137 Delphinium Blue

Design Master Premium Metal 240 24KT Pure Gold

Birch wreath

Dried natural wheat

Dried protea pods

Red berry silk flower spray

Red hydrangea silk flower

Blue dogwood silk flower

Blue thistle silk flower

Blue hanging amaranthus silk flower

3 American flags

Hot glue and glue gun

Wire clippers

TECHNIQUE

1. Antique the bright flags with a misting spray of Glossy Wood Tone.  Additional coats of the color will deepen the antiqued color.  You can choose how deep to take the color. Let dry.

2. The blue silk flowers used in the photo were originally pale blue.  Their color was intensified by spraying with Delphinium Blue.  Additional coats will darken the color too.

3.  Spray the dried protea pods with 24KT Pure Gold.

4. Cluster and bind the wheat to make a sheath. Trim the stems accordingly.

5. Clip the blossoms and pods from their long stems.  Arrange and glue them in place.

6. Insert the flags.  Glue the fabric in place to hold their wave-in-the-wind appearance.

7. Hang in your favorite spot!