I’ve made several projects with a buffalo check stencil, but they were always meant for end-of-year decor for the Fall and Winter. So, I’ve been yearning to use that same stencil for a warm-weather July 4th project, perhaps inspired by a picnic tablecloth. But then I started thinking about using the buffalo plaid stencil to create some American flag decor.
I figured I could manipulate the checkered design to create the stars and stripes, so-to-speak, by using a little blue paint AND a little red paint. I just needed the right piece to upcycle!
Of course, a rectangular cutting board would be perfect for some flag decor. But then I stumbled across this wooden USA-shaped clock.
Now, truthfully, I’ve already upcycled something into an American flag before. Do you recall the furniture I found on the side of the highway when I created this?
But my plan for this broken clock was different, I promise. And besides, it was in DIRE need to be saved. Dirty, broken, and begging for a fresh, clean start.
And with July 4th on the horizon, I decided it was high time I put my buffalo plaid theory for flag decor to the test!
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Transforming a Clock into American Flag Decor
Before I could do anything else, I needed to remove the clock components. In other words, the clock mechanism, the disintegrating letter stickers, and a handful of upholstery tacks.
First, I used a thrifted stainless-steel butter knife to pry out the tacks (they make for terrific tools, by the way).
Eventually, I gutted the clock of its parts which was messy and aggravating. But, in the end, I won the battle.
Then, I grabbed some wood filler to patch up the holes that the clock parts had left behind.
I smudged some filler in the holes and let it dry overnight.
“Stars and Stripes” with in Buffalo Plaid
Once the wood filler had dried, I sanded the front of the USA clock until it was smooth.
After I cleaned off the sanding dust, I grabbed a can of white spray paint to give it a fresh surface for my buffalo plaid idea.
Finally, I had the blank canvas I needed to create some American flag decor with a buffalo plaid stencil. I did, however, have to buy a slightly different stencil with much smaller squares.
I carefully positioned the stencil and taped it down so that I had a clean square-shaped area for the “stars” in blue and white.
Then, I moved onto the “stripes” with red craft paint. I used a piece of paper to cover up the blue “stars” since I had to move that paint.
Ok, y’all…my idea for American flag decor was working!
Next, I shifted the buffalo plaid stencil down to finish the red stripes. And holy smokes, my idea actually worked!
American flag decor in buffalo check! Like a gingham American flag in red, white, and blue.
American Flag Decor with a Buffalo Plaid Stencil
Finally, I buffed it with clear wax to protect all my hard work. And just like that, I had created some American flag decor with a buffalo plaid stencil.
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And, guess what? It’s Thrift Store Decor Team day, so check out what my friends have been up to!
1. Farmhouse Craft Organizer – Domestically Speaking
2. Old Birdhouse Makeover – Petticoat Junktion
3. Bumble Bee Inspired Makeover – House of Hawthornes
4. Horse Statue Makeover – Our Southern Home
5. American Flag Decor in Buffalo Plaid – Sadie Seasongoods
6. Thrift Store Doll Rocking Chair Makeover – My Repurposed Life
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I honestly love how it turned out. There are a few places where I wish my stenciling lines were cleaner, but eh…that happens.
AND I proved to myself that a buffalo check stencil doesn’t have to be limited to Fall and Winter. It worked perfectly for my American flag decor and has a real “patriotic picnic” feel to it for summer!
And if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for this broken clock, then you may also be interested in a patriotic sign that I made, as well!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Woo Hoo-you are coming closer to me! When you get settled in, please come to Rock Hill, SC and I will show you my favorite haunts and honey holes. We could have a great day!
Thanks, Lois!! I’m so excited to explore Rock Hill and Fort Mill, as well! I’ve already noticed an animal shelter thrift on the map in those areas- have you been to that one?
Woohoo! Welcome to NC! Good luck with the move and we hope to see you soon on a thrifting adventure/junkin’ journey!
Thank you, my friend!! Can’t wait!
Love how the buffalo plaid project turned out! It looks fantastic. Best of luck with your move – being married to a guy who was in the military, I am all to familiar with moving! We moved on the average of every 2 years or so….ugh. Safe travels to you and your Mr!
Ugh is right- that would be an awful lot of moving! I guess you learned not to accumulate too much stuff in those days, eh?
I love it, it’s great for the 4th! And congrats on the move!
Tania
Thanks, Tania!
I hope your move is a smooth one!
Thank you!! Fingers crossed!
Love the plaid flag!!! Best to you in your move! I grew up in Charlotte, still have family there. Be safe in your move! See ya when you get back…I’ll be waiting for ya and keeping a light on!!
Thank you so much, Susan!!
Love this! So creative and fun – a great use of an otherwise outdated item!
Thank you!!
Love, love, love this! So smart!
Thank you so very much, Margaret!
wow! I have a huge smile on my face! That project is amazing. When seeing the before picture, I was really judging your judgement on picking up this piece. hahahah
I’m not sure I have the patience for all of that, but you finished look was very surprising. Personally, I would have roughed it up a little to make it look old and loved. But the crisp look is great also.
pinned!
gail
ps wishing you all the best as you and the hubs start this new chapter! Hope the kitto handles everything okay too.
Believe it or not, but I did start to rough it up with some 220 paper but in real life, it started to look TOO faded. So I stopped as quickly as I started. And thank you so much- moving the kitties is one of the scariest and most anxiety-causing parts of this move!
I love that you are moving to Charlotte. I am in Roxboro NC, which is still 4 hours away, but oh so much closer. I love the Buffalo check clock and would love to see some of the fall and winter ideas you’ve done with this check in the past. Have a safe move and I am looking forward to your book coming out. Could you be any busier? Take care and stay safe.
Thank you so very much, Lauren! Which direction is Roxboro from Charlotte (I have lots of new geography to learn!). And you can see all my buffalo check stenciled projects here: https://www.sadieseasongoods.com/tag/buffalo-check-stencil/
Thankfully, my manuscript is done and in my editor’s hands- but the publisher delayed the release until February due to the pandemic. Many of their titles were delayed, which is a HUGE bummer, but I can’t really argue their reasoning for it.
Miss Sadie that so awesome,summer-y and plain cute! Best wishes for your move,I know you will have many adventures. Great work ,
Thank you so very much, Charleen!
WHOA!!!! What a find! What an idea! I LOVE it. It is absolutly outstanding.
WOOHOO!
Thank you so, so much!!
Your buffalo plaid flag was no doubt my all time favorite. Where did you find that wonderful stencil ?
Thanks, Judy!! Here’s the link for the stencil shop: https://www.thestencilsmith.com/buffalo-plaid-small-checks-stencil-p/6429a.htm
Hi Sadie….congrats on the move; probably be a lot of hard work to get there but most certainly a blast once you do!
Your project looks really good, it was a serious save on the “clock”. That was probably the most unusual clock with the “directional” clock points instead of numbers!
Right?? I was so perplexed by the compass directionals as the hour marks for 12, 3, 6, and 9. Very peculiar indeed!
Your flag is absolutely adorable; couldn’t get more American than that combo. You styled it so nicely, too. Best of luck with your move; it is always so hard–physically and mentally. Hope you have some friends and/or family who can lend a hand–and a back–to help. When I moved in ;88, I had 11,920 pounds of STUFF including the kids’ swingset. Most of it went into the virgin cellar which was absolutely empty! I still say, “bury me over the septic tank.” I don’t ever wanna move–unless I win the Publishers’ Clearinghouse Sweeps–but then I could pay someone to move me! Good luck with the new thrifts, too!
Thank you, Kathy!! This is the first time I’ve moved since I started blogging in 2013, so it’s a LOT MORE STUFF than I used to have, LOL.
That is the cutest American flag craft I’ve seen! I think I’m going to try it with a State Of Ohio shape I have had sitting here for at least 3 years. If I can find my buffalo check stencil.
Oh my goodness, it’ll be perfect on your Ohio piece!! And thank you!
I love your buffalo check map. It is so cute!!!
Thank you, Cynthia!
Great makeover! Love it!
Thanks, Susan!!
That is so awesome!!! LOVE your creativity! Thank you for always being so creative and sharing!
Thanks, Angie!
Love this makeover!
Thank you, Paula!
What a cool find and I need one of those stencils!
Welcome to NC! Now, put together a trip where we all go thrifting in the Charlotte area! In youir free time, of course!
Thanks, Edith! I am very excited to dive deeper into the thrifting spots around CLT, Fort Mill, Concord, etc!! (When it feels safer to do so, of course).
If you get a chance go to the Goodwill near the Concord Mall. I think its off Poplar Tent Road, Every time I go there I find some great stuff. I think Charlotte also has a Goodwill Outlet. I have never been to one but would like to go at least once.
Thanks for the recos, Gina! I can’t find to dive deeper into the CLT thrifting scene once it feels safer to do so!
What a great project, I love your patriotic buffalo check. Congratulations on your upcoming relocation, I hope everything safely and very well.
Thank you so much, Kaycee!
Super cute and festive! You always have awesome transformation ideas for your thrift finds. Good luck with your move!
Thank you, Allyson!!
This is absolutely adorable! Now I need a stencil like yours to add this to everything! Good luck on your move to Charlotte. I’m sure moving your thrifty stash and crafting supplies will be no small job!
This looks amazing! You made the stenciling look so easy. I always have the hardest time working with stencils. Wishing you the best with your move!
Thank you so much, Michelle!!
I love your Americana buffalo check – I think you’re starting a new trend!
Thank you, Maryann!!