Let’s talk about flags. You probably have some just like I do that are attached to a wooden dowel. I love to use them here and there for a splash of patriotic color around various holidays. With everyone in my house being vintage or antique or LOOKING vintage, the bright white stripes and stars have always bothered me. I adore the look of truly old flags with that amazing yellowed fabric.
Now keep in mind if these were genuine flags, I would not be about to do what I’m about to do! Don’t even think about sending me those nasty messages! These are just cheap little holiday decor flags from big box stores.
After using them in their crisp white state for a couple years I took them out this year and decided to stop THINKING about it and actually do something about aging them. Here is what I did!
I removed the flags from the wooden dowels but pulling out the staples that secured them and then I submerged them in a coffee solution. I added some salt to help set the dyeโฆโฆand then I prepared myself to be patient. I left them in the coffee solution for 1 hour.
When I removed them from the coffee, I just rinsed them well in clear water and then laid them out to dry. They may not appear much different but wait until you see them next to white.
I could have made them a lot more stained and you might choose to do so but I just wanted them slightly aged. It’s all a matter of preference. Trust me, in person they definitely fit in much better with my vintage things.
Until next time,
Emily’s Holiday Mantel
To see how Emily styled her mantel for the upcoming holiday, just click on the photo below.
