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Vintage Patriotic Sign with scrap wood

This Vintage Patriotic Sign is a simple & charming DIY that brings a rustic touch to your Americana decor. With just a piece of reclaimed or scrap wood (like vintage beadboard), a handful of supplies, and a spark of creativity, you’ll have a timeless “1776” sign that’s perfect for celebrating Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or any patriotic holiday.

It’s quick to make, easy to love, and full of vintage character!

Below you’ll find a list of SUPPLIES, How-To Steps PLUS a Short VIDEO Tutorial if you’re more of a visual like me!

Supplies to create vintage patriotic sign-Hammons Nest

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Supply List:

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this vintage-inspired sign:

  • Scrap Wood Piece (my beadboard measures 10x3in)
  • Folk Art Matte “Vintage White” Acrylic Paint
  • Rusty Stars (Find them HERE)
  • IOD Stamps Typesetting Font (Find them HERE)
  • StazOn Stamping Ink Pad (Find it HERE)
  • Acrylic Stamping Block (Like these)
  • Folk Art “Licorice” Acrylic Paint
  • Sanding Block (Dollar Tree)
  • Tiny Piece of Sandpaper
  • Plaid Drying Tool (Walmart)
  • Scrap Cardboard Pieces
  • Cordless Hot Glue Gun (Find it HERE)
  • Scissors
  • Paint Brushes
1776 Sign on Beadboad styled for Patriotic holidays-Hammons Nest

Now for the simple STEPS:

(these go great with the short video above)

Step 1: Prep Your Scrap Wood

Start with a beautiful piece of reclaimed wood or any scrap wood you have in your stash—I used a piece of vintage beadboard, which already had amazing texture and charm. Give it a quick wipe to remove any dust or debris.

Step 2: Add Paint for Brightness

Even though the wood was lovely as-is, I wanted to brighten it up just a bit so my stamping would contrast better. Apply two thin coats of creamy white paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

Step 3: Lightly Distress

Once the paint is dry, use sandpaper to gently distress the surface. Focus on the edges and raised areas to let the natural wood and old finish peek through. This gives your sign that perfect rustic, timeworn look. You don’t want to cover up all that character—just give it a freshened-up look.

Step 4: Stamp the Year “1776”

Before stamping, I did lay out my rusty starts & stamps to ensure proper spacing.

Then, using rubber stamps, stamping block and black ink, carefully stamp “1776” across the center of your board. If your beadboard has any dips or grooves (like mine did), don’t worry! Just go in with a small brush and dab a bit of paint into the recessed areas to even things out.

If you don’t have rubber stamps similar to these, consider using stencils or typed template/carbon paper method.

🇺🇸 Why 1776? The year 1776 marks a pivotal moment in American history—the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It represents the birth of a new nation built on the values of freedom, courage, and unity. Including 1776 in adds a touch of vintage charm while also serving as a meaningful tribute to the founding spirit of the United States.

There are many words or phrases that you could stamp instead like Liberty, Freedom, Honor, Glory, or Faith….just to name a few!

Step 5: Match Distressing in Grooves

Let’s continue by keeping the look cohesive. Distress the paint inside the grooves so it blends naturally with the inked areas. I was able to use a tiny piece of sandpaper for this step. That extra bit of sanding helps everything look aged and authentic.

1776 Sign on Beadboad styled for Patriotic holidays-Hammons Nest

Step 6: Add the Rusty Stars

Next,glue on a couple rusty metal stars for that little extra interest and patriotic touch. To me, the stars absolutely make this sign!

Here’s a quick tip:
Cut a small piece of cardboard and glue it behind each star to create more surface area—this helps them stick securely to the board, especially on uneven or textured surfaces. This hack words great for all kinds of 3D embellishments!

Step 7: Optional, add a protective coat

I did not do this step, but if you’ll be using this little sign in a covered area outside, consider spraying or applying a quick clear coat.

Step 8: Style & Display!

And just like that—you’re done! This sweet little sign is ready to shine for all the patriotic holidays….especially Memorial Day & 4th of July!

I created this vignette using an eagle crock, eagle bell, eagle book end, vintage books (all thrifted) PLUS a burlap American flag from TJ Maxx & the florals are from Hobby Lobby!

1776 Sign on Beadboad styled for Patriotic holidays-Hammons Nest

Love how the rustic, neutral look of this 1776 sign complements the red & blue Americana colors!

Be sure to PIN the image below to save for later!

PINTEREST-1776 Sign on Beadboad styled for Patriotic holidays-Hammons Nest

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just getting started, this “1776” sign is the kind of project that anyone can tackle in under 30min! Need some inspiration for a Patriotic Bow? Take a look at THIS FLAG PROJECT before you go!

I’d LOVE to see your versions of this vintage 1776 sign! So be sure to tag me @hammonsnest on Facebook or Instagram if you recreate!

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