4th of July Centerpiece Uncle Sam Hat

How I made an inexpensive 4th of July centerpiece!

It began with a with 5 cent plastic hat

I sprayed it with primer

Let it dry

took acrylic paint (dark red, dark blue, brown and cream)

painted the lid and stripe around the hat blue

gave it a couple coats

used my hair dryer to speed it along

took paint stir stick to measure out stripes

painted white stripes first

cut out star stencil-used ruler

then sponge painted on stars..

touched up some rough edges with blue paint--although not perfect-no big deal

added red stripes

painted top blue

all done- (used my hair dryer)

then "grunged it up" with brown paint..

used slightly wet paper towel and rubbed on brown paint then wiped it off

cut hole on top for container

Got an empty coffee can

took off label..

and glued Styrofoam to top..(could be open and used as vase as well!)

I gathered my various thrift store finds...flag candles, paper fans, flags, a bow and roll of red curling ribbon.

I hot glued tooth picks to bottom of paper fans so I could stick them in the foam...

and began putting them in... tallest items in center-smaller on outside.

I glued toothpicks to the curling ribbon...a whole bunch!


glued crinkled paper onto the foam...

then stuck in the toothpicks with curling ribbon.

After I was all done I took the can and placed it in the center of the hat...

I added the bow to the front...

here is a close up

the fans & candles

The top

Complete

 Happy 4th!!

Under $3! I can take out all of the things I put in the foam and store it for next year too.

Thanks for stopping by!