Beach decor is probably my all time favorite. I love making things with starfish, seashells, and sand dollars. There’s something about beach decor that brings the ocean indoors and reminds me of how relaxed I feel when I’m there. I live in the midwest, quite a ways from the ocean, so bringing it into my decor is the next best thing.
Recently, someone gave me a big box of paint sticks, so I tucked them away for a future project. I’ve actually been meaning to make this beach flag for quite some time and was finally able to sit down for a couple of hours and get it done.
I’m in love with beachy colors. I chose to use DecoArt’s Americana paint in Cool White, Sea Glass, Whispering Turquoise, and Oyster Beige. I’ve used DecoArt paints on many, many projects and love it!
My bathroom is decorated with some other beach projects I’ve created, like this Weathered Newport Beach Sign, these Textured Glass Beach Canisters, and this Beach Starfish Plaque. The Weathered Beach Signs are among my favorites. Here are all my beach crafts if you want to have a look.
This flag measures about 12-inches wide. Eventually I’d like to make another one that’s much larger, similar in size to my PB Inspired Rustic Colonial American Flag.
Before I show you how I made this, I should probably clear something up right away. I know that the American flag has 13 stripes. I also know that its colors are red, white and blue. This project was “inspired” by the American flag, it’s not meant to be a replica. With that said, I hope that you enjoy the project!
I started by lining up seven paint sticks. Some of them were a little warped, but gently bending them with my hands helped bring them back to shape. I laid out the starfish to help me decide which ones to use.
I painted the sticks, alternating colors as I went. The end result was 2 green, 2 blue and 3 white. After they had dried, I dry brushed white over the blue and green sticks. I used a sponge applicator to paint the starfish white, and once they were dry I added a layer of Oyster Beige.
Sanding all the edges and corners came next. I also sanded the face of the sticks and the starfish.
I hot glued the sticks together, one by one, gluing from the backside so that the glue wouldn’t show. Next, I tied a hanger out of twine and glued that to the back, then turned the whole thing over and glued the starfish in place.
All done and ready to hang!
I am a DecoArt Core Blogger. I was compensated for this post, but have always loved DecoArt products! Therefore, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
Amanda Formaro
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Maureen Steele says
My friend and I are making these for a school bazaar but we are having trouble getting the sticks to stayed glued together. The hot glue works but looks gappy and tried gorilla wood glue (not hot) and they didn’t seem to be staying glued. any suggestions?
Amanda Formaro says
Try Beacons 3-in-1 http://amzn.to/2gFGdop or E6000 http://amzn.to/2gGfmsk – Tacky Glue will work too, but you may want clamp the pieces together with something while they dry. :)
Vicky says
I glued a couple of cut paint stirrers on each side
Barbara Henderson Bishop says
I just got most of my stuff together for my beachie flags except I didn’t get my star fish yet do u think I be able to get them at Hobby Lobby?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Barbara! I believe Hobby Lobby should have the starfish :) If not, try Michaels as well. Best of luck!
Donna Muscara says
Where did u get the sticks? Also I couldnt get oyster beige,
.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Donna. You can find sticks on Amazon here http://amzn.to/2qQWPAV and Oyster Beige can be found here > http://amzn.to/2s721Ri or possibly at Michaels. Good luck!
Page says
Cute! Can I ask what wood glue you recommend? I’m having a hard time with glues being very messy when I put wood or items onto wood. Any brand you like using? Thanks.
Amanda Formaro says
I have had good results with Gorilla brand wood glue :)
Debie Woodbeck says
I love this but we are “mountain lake people” not beachy. What would you use instead of starfish?
Amanda Formaro says
Fun! I think little pine trees would be cute, or if you want a more nature inspired look, I would try wood chips, tiny pinecones or stones.
Kaitlyn says
This is so cute and beachy! Thanks for sharing this DIY! I can’t wait to recreate it.
Lindsey says
Can you explain the dry-brush of white over the blue and green sticks? I’ve never done that. I LOVE this project and can’t wait to do it.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Lindsey :) Dry brush basically is what it sounds like. You dip your paintbrush into the paint, then use painting strokes on a paper towel or cloth to remove the excess paint. The paintbrush should be pretty dry but still hold paint. When you apply the dry brush to your surface, it should leave kind of a “scratchy” look.
Deb says
Love this flag. Started making one. My question where did you get the small starfish?
Amanda Formaro says
I found those at Michaels! They have an aisle with vase filler etc and a bunch of beach themed stuff :)
Deb says
Thank you! Now to make a trip to Michael’s.