This week I'm kicking off #DIYYour4thofJuly with some talented ladies on Instagram! (Be sure to follow Legally Crafty @legallycraftyblog and play along by showing off your creations!) As a part of this fun DIY decor challenge, I'll be posting a patriotic craft each week leading up to the 4th.

This week, our theme is Flags! It doesn't get more American than finding creative ways to display our beloved stars and stripes. Last summer was all about getting our deck built, but this year we just get to enjoy it! Last year, our first purchase was a patio table and then we added some string lights to create a some nighttime ambiance. This year, our goal was to buy some patio furniture to enjoy some more casual deck lounging. With 4th of July around the corner, I wanted to make a project that would make our outdoor space a little more festive and these DIY Flag Luminaries were the perfect add. They are great for a patio table centerpiece or on a patio coffee table or side table.

What You Need

• Jars with smooth glass side (Local craft store or use recycled glass jars from pasta sauce or other goods)

• 4x6 fabric American flags ($1 for 3 - Target)

• Mod Podge

• Foam paint brush (Local craft store)

• Sand ($1- Dollar Tree)

• LED Tealight ($1 for pack of 2 - Dollar Tree)

First, you will need to select your jars. You can either purchase glass jars from a local craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby or save glass jars from things like pasta sauce. The key here is that the jar has a smooth side. Jars with raised logos on both sides won't work. It's okay if there is wording on one side of the jar. I picked up my larger jar at Hobby Lobby for about $2 and got the smaller jar at Dollar Tree for $1.

Next, you'll want to detach your flags from their sticks. If the flags are rolled up in their packaging, it is a good idea to put a book or heavy object on them prior to doing the craft to flatten them out. Pliers are a good way to carefully remove the staples that hold the flag onto the stick. 

Lay down a piece of wax paper or parchment paper. Using a foam paint brush, apply a layer of Mod Podge gloss to the back of the flag. If this is your first time using Mod Podge, don't worry, it will dry clear. Secure the flag to the jar surface. Then, apply another layer of Mod Podge over the top of the flag. Make sure the flag is secured smoothly to the jar. 

Once the jar is semi-dry, you can move on to add the sand and LED tealight. Remove the jar lid and pour in desired amount of sand. I did about 2-3 inches in each jar. One package of sand from the Dollar Tree was plenty for two jars and there was certainly enough leftover for a third. Drop in the LED light and that's it! You will have to reach into the jar to turn the tealight on and off, unless you get some fancy remote ones. 

There you have it! A quick and easy project that will impress your guests and can be displayed all summer long.