DIY Glass Flag Plates

In my neck of the woods about a week before Memorial Day, American flags start popping up all over the place.

They line the streets and they're hung from homes in all shapes and sizes.

Then, once Memorial Day passes, the flags come down and they don't go back up again until early July in honor of the fourth.

July 4th Decoupage Craft text over a flag napkin

However.

This year seems to be a whole different ball game.

The flags went up as expected in mid May, but instead of coming down as June approached, more flags went up.

And they continue to multiply every day.

They're truly everywhere. And not just your basic flags. A record number of residential and commercial buildings are decked out in all sorts of red, white and blue banners and decor... and, of course, it's all in honor of America's 250th birthday celebration.

Over the years I think I've only come up with a handful of crafts for the Fourth of July.

But since this year, it's such an iconic holiday, and I'm feeling kind of festive, I've decided to join a few of my friends for a little Decorating For The Fourth of July blog hop.

So if you're here, visiting from Carol at Bluesky At Home, who also happens to be our fabulous blog hostess, welcome! I'm thrilled you've decided to pop by.

Now, if you know me at all, then you know I'm a huge thrift store shopper. I just love a good (cheap!) second hand find, but even more than the hunt, I love giving those finds a creative makeover.

How To Make A Holiday Decoupage Dish

So naturally my decor DIY starts with this $1.00 glass plate. It's the kind of treasure I just can't resist, which means I have tons of them in my stash.

What's the attraction, you ask? Well, they're great for decoupage and transfers.

Here are a few of my favorites:
Decoupage Bunny Plates
Decoupage/ Stencil Farmhouse Plate
Easter Bunny Transfer Plate
Decoupage Doily Plate

Paired with a pretty pattern, like this flag I picked up at Dollar Tree last year, they become show pieces for display and dinner.

Since the decoupage is only on the back of the plate, and the glass remains untouched, they're actually safe for food.

Dollar Tree Flag Napkin for decoupage craft on a table

See Similar Flag Napkins Here

The results are always lovely and the process is super simple no matter the season, occasion or holiday.

I started this DIY by cutting one flag away from the rest of the napkin.

Then I used a small piece of scotch tape to grab the unnecessary layers of the napkin and peeled them away.

Left with only the patterned layer of the napkin, I set it aside, while I added my Dixie Belle Satin Sealer (you can use Mod Podge instead if you like) to the back of the plate with a brush.

One quick note:
I haven't found one decoupage medium, including the Dishwasher Mod Podge, that actually holds up to repeated water exposure. I love Dixie Belle because it's strong, a furniture grade sealer, but I still only hand wash them and avoid getting the back too wet.

Apply decoupage with a brush to the back of the plate

I placed the napkin, pattern side down, on the plate and used my gloved fingers to smooth out any bumps or wrinkles.

I was careful not to pull or press too hard, since I didn't want the delicate napkin to tear.

Using Gloves To Smooth Decoupage Wrinkles

To be honest, I really prefer using rice paper for decoupage crafts. It's much sturdier and there are virtually no wrinkles to deal with, but I had napkins so I went with it.

Once the napkin was dry enough to touch, I used a sharp pair of scissors to trim away any extra.

And applied another coat of sealer over the back of the napkin.

Adding decoupage gel over napkin on back of fourth of July glass plate

When that coat was completely dry, I used my sandpaper pad to remove any excess napkin from around the edges of the plate.

And then I was done.

Ready to set my table for the big celebration.

4th Of July Decoupage Plate in a table setting

How do you like that price tag on the picture frame? Haha...oops! Clearly it was a recent find.

Or not. You see, if I were having a dinner party, I would've repeated this process and made more festive flag plates. However, we'll be at the beach eating sandwiches out of a cooler.

So I only made one plate and at the moment, it's decorating my kitchen.

Glass Flag Plate on a plate rack with flowers and red and blue star confetti

I would've put it outside, with the rest of the flags, but I thought it was much safer in here.

😉

Don't you agree?

Before you get to the rest of the holiday home decor, I want to leave you with this photo of me from the 1976 Bicentennial fair at my elementary school with my teacher and classmates.

Yes, I'm that old...and yes, I think my mother cut up her old drapes to make that black and white apron.

Elementary School 1776 Bicentennial Celebration

I guess those crafty apples don't fall very far from their trees.

And now I send you off to visit my good friend Sherry at Houzewise. She has a stunning home and you don't want to miss her decor.

Then be sure to check out the links below and check out all the inspiration.