DIY Tea-Stained Vintage American Flags

When I was pulling together our Memorial Day patriotic picnic on the front porch, I wanted to add a vintage vibe to our table.

I would have loved to have found some vintage American flags to use for our centerpiece.

But since I couldn’t find the real deal, I decided to make my own, using inexpensive flags purchased from the craft store.

Just call me Betsy Ross!

I wanted my flags to look like they were antiques. So I used one of my favorite antiquing methods to add some years to the brand-new, brightly colored flags.

I brewed up a strong pot of tea and gave the flags a good soak…

Until they had a lovely yellowish cast, like you see on older textiles and linens.

After their tea bath, I rinsed the flags with cold water and let them air dry.

Then, I placed them in a patriotic tin on my tabletop.

If you’re going to do this craft yourself, make sure you buy cloth flags.

I also prefer the ones with wooden flag poles, instead of plastic ones. It makes them look more authentic. You could also stain the wooden flag poles or add antiquing wax to them. I didn’t do this because the poles weren’t visible in my display.

Be sure to stop back by next week when I’ll be sharing another craft using these tea-stained American flags.

If you want to make your own tea-stained flags for July 4th, be sure to pin the image below for the step-by-step tutorial.

For more patriotic decorating inspiration, you might enjoy these posts:

Patriotic Porch Party Ideas

Betsy Ross Flag Chair

18 Patriotic Ideas for the Fourth of July

Patriotic Furniture

For even more patriotic party ideas, decorating, crafts and recipes, be sure to follow my July 4th Pinterest board.