DIY Vintage Americana Wall Flag Art (Using a Dollar Tree Flag!)

There’s something so charming about vintage Americana decor—especially around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or even just to add a touch of rustic patriotism to your home year-round. If you’ve ever swooned over those aged flags framed in old barns or antique shops but didn’t want to spend a fortune, this easy DIY is for you.

I’m showing you how to make your own Vintage Americana Wall Flag Art using a small Dollar Tree flag, a few things you probably already have at home, and a little creativity. The best part? It’s affordable, super simple, and looks like something you’d find at a cute country boutique.

Edited in Tezza with: Prima, Temperature, Contrast, SHADE, HSL, Brightness, Blur, & Crop

Supplies You’ll Need:

  • 1 small American flag (Dollar Tree sells them in a pack or as hand-held flags)
  • 2–3 black tea bags (or coffee works too!)
  • Hot water
  • Bowl or small dish
  • Paper towels or an old towel
  • Scissors
  • Picture frame (8×10 or 11×14 depending on your flag size)
  • Optional: cardstock or burlap as a background

Step 1: Give Your Flag a Vintage Look with Tea

This is the magic step that gives your flag that soft, aged, perfectly worn-in look.

  1. Boil water and steep 2–3 black tea bags in a bowl for about 10 minutes to make a strong brew.
  2. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.
  3. Place your Dollar Tree flag into the tea bath and let it soak for 15–30 minutes. The longer it sits, the deeper the vintage color.
  4. Gently remove the flag and lay it flat on paper towels or an old towel to dry completely. This might take a few hours, but you can speed things up with a blow dryer if you’re in a hurry!

Step 2: Fringe the Edges

Once the flag is dry, take your time to distress it just a little more by fringing the edges for that timeworn, antique texture.

  1. Use a pair of scissors to carefully snip small vertical cuts along the edge of the flag—about ¼ inch apart and about ½ inch deep.
  2. Gently pull a few of the threads loose with your fingers to create that frayed, imperfect edge.
  3. You can also rub the edges between your fingers or lightly scrape them with sandpaper to rough them up a bit more.

This simple detail adds so much character and makes your DIY look like a found treasure from a vintage market.

Edited in Tezza with: Prima, Temperature, Contrast, SHADE, HSL, Brightness, Blur, & Crop

Step 3: Frame It

Now that your flag has that perfectly aged and fringed look, it’s time to frame it!

  • Choose a frame that fits your decor style—wood tones for farmhouse charm, black for a classic finish, or even an antique frame if you have one.
  • If your frame has a mat, you can lay the flag over it. Or use a piece of cardstock, burlap, or even old book paper as a background.
  • Center your flag in the frame and secure it in place.
  • Reassemble your frame—and admire your work!

Display & Style Tips

  • Hang it in your entryway, on a gallery wall, or prop it up on a shelf or mantel.
  • Style it with vintage books, mason jars, or old family photos to complete the nostalgic feel.
  • Makes a thoughtful handmade gift for a veteran or a meaningful piece for patriotic holidays.

Why I Love This DIY

This project feels like a little love letter to America—nostalgic, simple, and full of heart. It’s proof that beautiful home decor doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, all you need is a $1 flag, some tea, and a quiet afternoon to create something timeless.

If you give this project a try, tag me on Instagram @withlove_tere—I’d love to see your take on it!


Pin this for later if you’re planning ahead for summer decorating, and don’t forget to share it with a friend who loves vintage Americana style too. 🇺🇸✨

Follow:
Share:

what are your thoughts?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.