Looking for a creative and meaningful way to decorate for the Fourth of July or Memorial Day? This easy patriotic craft is the perfect blend of rustic charm and red, white, and blue pride. The best part? I made it using four recycled glass bottles I already had at home!
These bottles turned out so cute with flag napkins, bold letters spelling out “FREE,” and a touch of festive string and greenery. They’re perfect for displaying on a mantel, table, or porch for your summer celebrations.
Materials I Used:
4 clean glass bottles (any shape or size works!) Blue acrylic paint Patriotic flag napkins (preferably the kind with layers you can peel apart) Mod Podge (I used gloss, (but matte would work too) Letters spelling “FREE” (I used red and blue letters – two of each color) Red, white, and blue string or twine Hot glue gun Small sprigs of faux greenery Scissors and paintbrush
How I Made Them:
Step 1: Paint the Bottles
I started by giving each of the four glass bottles a coat of blue acrylic paint. You could use spray paint too.
Step 2: Apply Flag Napkins with Mod Podge
Next, I carefully separated the top printed layer of my flag napkins from the backing (this helps it stick better and look more seamless). I cut the napkins down to size so they would fit nicely around each bottle, then used Mod Podge to adhere them. After placing the napkins, I gently smoothed out any bubbles and sealed them with another thin layer of Mod Podge on top. Let dry.
Step 3: Add the “FREE” Letters
Once the bottles were dry, I added one letter to each bottle to spell out “FREE.” I used a mix of red and blue letters—two red, two blue—to keep it visually balanced and patriotic. I used Mod Podge again to secure the letters and seal them on.
Step 4: Wrap the Tops with String
To give them that extra festive touch, I wrapped red, white, and blue string around the tops of the bottles. I secured the string with hot glue so it wouldn’t slide off. You could also use ribbon or burlap if you want a different texture.
Step 5: Add a Touch of Greenery
For a fresh, summery look, I tucked a little bit of faux greenery into the top of each bottle. It softens the overall look and gives it a farmhouse feel. You could even add small flags or sparklers instead if you’re decorating for the Fourth!
Final Thoughts:
This DIY patriotic bottle decor is such a fun way to reuse glass bottles and create something that celebrates freedom, summer, and creativity. I love how it turned out—simple, meaningful, and totally customizable depending on what you have on hand.
If you try this project, I’d love to see how yours turns out! Tag me in your photos or share your own twist in the comments. Happy crafting and happy summer!
—Chandee
Dandychandee 