American Flag Picture Frame

Looking for 4th of July craft ideas? Try this American flag picture frame from I Love to Create. Paint an ordinary picture frame with stars and stripes to frame your soldier's photo or to capture your favorite 4th of July memories.

Materials:

• Home Decor Bisque Designs--21785 Snapshot Wide-Border Frame with Base 8" x 9.5" x 3"
• OS™ Opaque Acrylics--OS 431 White, OS 459 Bright Blue, OS 476 Black, OS 563 Candy Apple
• Ultra Metallics™--UM 956 Silver
• Spray Sealers--SS 331 Clear Gloss
• Debut Taklon Brushes--TB 706 No. 10 Shader, TB 725 No. 10/0 Liner, TB 737 No. 3 Round
• Pencil
• Paper towels
• Graphite paper
• Sponge
• Container w/water
• Old toothbrush
• Pattern 1
• Pattern 2

Instructions:

1. Wipe ware with damp sponge to remove dust.
    
2. Lightly sketch lines and stars for flag, using pencil.
    
3. Fill in stars using No. 10/0 Liner and White. Fill in white stripes of flag, using No. 10 Shader. Let dry.
    
4. Fill in red stripes, using No. 10 Shader and Candy Apple. Apply Candy Apple to back of frame. Let dry.
    
5. Fill in blue section, using Bright Blue and No. 3 Round or No. 10 Shader, working around stars and carrying color over corner triangle on back. Let dry.
    
6. Touch up color wherever needed for solid, clean edges. Let dry.
    
7. Dip No. 10 Shader into water. Tap out excess water onto a paper towel. Side load with Black. Add shading down each side of center fold areas on each stripe. Repeat until color is even and dark enough. Let dry.
    
8. Transfer lettering to front of frame, centering design and using graphite paper. Add lettering, using No. 10/0 Liner and Black.
    
9. Dip tip of toothbrush into Silver. Gently spatter Silver over entire frame. Let dry.
    
10. Spray frame with 2 coats Clear Gloss Spray Sealer. Let dry after each coat.