DIY Patriotic Image Plaque

I needed just a little extra something for the srouping of patriotic decor I was putting together for a tray I keep on the coffee table.

 I love vintage images so let's do some DIY and make a small plaque to fit the space.

Supplies you'll need:

Mod Podge & brush

circle or square piece of wood, metal, etc.

printed image on paper

I picked up this metal piece at the Dollar Store. 

Loved the rippled edge like a bottle cap

and the fact that it could hang (in case I want to hang it in some way later)

You could use a piece of wood or anything that you can add an image to.

Found this fun and free vintage 4th of July image {here}

I wanted an image with a flag for sure.

This was perfect with the words "fourth of July" and the soldier in uniform.

Sized it so my circle would fit the image and printed on regular paper.

I put the metal piece upside down and covered the area I wanted to cut out.

Trace around with a pen or marker.

 Cut around your pen marking slightly smaller than the shape you drew out. 

Place your paper circle on top of the metal piece to see how it fits

 and trim where needed.

Paint a layer of Mod Podge on your metal or wood shape.

Apply your paper image.

Smooth it out, so no bubbles are under your paper.

After it dries. Apply a coat of Mod Podge on the top of the image.

This will help seal it and give it a slightly glossy finish.

Apply with your brush in different directions to give it subtle texture.

At this stage, watch again for any bubbling and carefully with your finger or brush

move the bubbles towards the edge to release them.

If the paper slightly wrinkles, its ok.

Just adds to the vintage look.

The little plaque fits right in with the other tray items.

You can find similar woven trays {here}

Just the extra touch that was needed! 

Happy 4th!