DIY Wood Shim Star

The Fourth of July is just around the corner and this rustic DIY wood shim project adds to the star spangled festivities!

Items needed:

•  10 wood shims (8" long)
•  Binder clips
•  Tack nails
•  Upholstery nails
•  Craft paint in Vanilla
•  Craft paint in Pearl White
•  Craft paint in Bittersweet Chocolate
•  Burlap ribbon

Begin by arranging the wood shims to form a star shape with 5 points. 

When you're pleased with the shape, use binder clips to secure the wood shims in place prior to nailing.  

At this point, it's a good idea to accept that the star shape won't be totally and completely perfect - rustic is the look we're after.  :)  

And, you'll still have time to tweak the shape just before you put the final nails in place.

Nail one tack nail at each point where wood shims meet.

My nails were a bit too long so, using the hammer, I bent them over on the underside.

When each point was secured with a nail, I rechecked the shape and then added 1 more nail to each point to further secure it.

After a base coat of Vanilla craft paint, and a top coat of Pearl White, I dry brush distressed the star with Bittersweet Chocolate craft paint with the same method I used for our DIY Distressed Tabletop.  You can find the tutorial HERE.  

The finishing touch was to add upholstery nails to each point. 

To provide a little texture, a length of burlap ribbon was looped through the top point of the star and serves as the hanger.

If you're hanging the star indoors or in a mild climate, wood glue or hot glue could be used in lieu of the nails.  Our front door is exposed to full afternoon sun and hot glue does not hold up well to our sweltering summer temps.

Wouldn't this be fun with larger wood shims, or longer and wider strips of wood?

And, they'd be so cute painted gold or with metallic colors.

Do you have fun plans for the Fourth of July?  Our little community has an annual picnic and this year will be the 114th celebration!  It's small town fun ... spent with friends and neighbors, enjoying good food, music, an auction and a cake walk.  Wishing you a Happy Fourth!

Your comments are greatly appreciated and I look forward to your thoughts and ideas!  I try to respond to comments via email as soon as I can. If your email address isn't available, I will comment here. Thanks so much for visiting!

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