DIY Patriotic Floral Arrangement: Uncle Sam Wood Cutout

A Patriotic Floral Arrangement That Starts with Handmade Uncle Sam Cutouts

This isn’t your average floral decor—this Patriotic Floral Arrangement is built around hand-painted, distressed Uncle Sam wood cutouts, each one crafted with intention and finished with that aged farmhouse look we love. These hats aren’t just cute—they’re the star of the show, and they tell a story of freedom, creativity, and faith.

Rooted in Faith and Freedom

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” – Psalm 33:12
Every brushstroke and bloom in this project points back to a message bigger than décor—it’s about celebrating the freedom we’re blessed with and giving glory to the One who makes it all possible.

Supplies You’ll Need for This Patriotic Floral Arrangement

For the Uncle Sam Hats:

• 3 wood cutout hats
• Acrylic paints: Vintage White, Barn Red, Prussian Blue
• BEHR Dark Antique Wax
• Sandpaper or sanding block
• Hot glue gun
• Wood dowel
• Chalk transfer (“1776”)+ Espresso paste
• 3 rusty metal stars (I grabbed these on Amazon)

For the Floral Arrangement:

• Galvanized bucket, tin, or rustic vase
• Floral foam
• Faux florals: red roses, white peonies, blue carnations or hydrangeas
• Greenery: eucalyptus, lamb’s ear, or boxwood

How to Create the Uncle Sam Wood Cutouts

1. Paint the Hats

Start with painters tape and placed it so the stripes are evenly spaced. Then Paint the hats with your preferred paint. I used these acrylics: Vintage White for the base, Barn Red for stripes, and Prussian Blue for the brim and star band. Let dry fully.

2. Sand & Distress

Sand the edges and surface to your desired look to bring out that worn, vintage character.

3. Apply BEHR Dark Antique Wax

Using a soft cloth or brush, apply BEHR Dark Antique Wax over the painted and sanded hats. This step deepens the colors and gives a gorgeous, aged look.

4. Add Your Unique Touches

• Hat #1: Glue on three rusty stars
• Hat #2: Chalk “1776” with a transfer and Espresso paste
• Hat #3 (center): Attach three wood stars and the “Let Freedom Ring” tag. These come in the wood cutout kit I used.
• This is my favorite site to grab all of my wood cutout kits: The Rust Covered Cottage

5. Mount the Hats to a Dowel

Use hot glue to attach all three finished hats to a dowel, forming one solid centerpiece unit.

Assemble the Patriotic Floral Arrangement

• Add floral foam to your chosen bucket or tin.
• Insert your Uncle Sam hat trio into the foam.
• Layer in your greenery to soften the base.
• Tuck in red, white, and blue faux blooms all around.
• Adjust and fluff until your arrangement is full and balanced.

Where to Display Your Patriotic Floral Arrangement

This one-of-a-kind project is perfect for:

• Front porch welcome table
• 4th of July BBQ centerpiece
• Gift for a veteran or military family
• Church entry or fellowship table
• Patriotic-themed decor swap or boutique showpiece

Pair It With:

DIY One Nation Under God Sign: Wood Door Round
Display both pieces together for a coordinated, faith-filled celebration of freedom!

Watch the DIY Live

Want to see it all come together—from painting to fluffing? Watch the full Patriotic Floral Arrangement Live Replay and craft along with me! This is on The Rust Covered Cottage channel as I was the Affiliate Spotlight.

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💬 Leave a comment and tell me: Which hat is your favorite?

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