DIY Patriotic Decor with Free SVG Files

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Last Updated on August 11, 2023 by Chris Butler

Are you ready to make some DIY patriotic decor?  Patriotic Decor is one of my favorites because I can leave it up from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Plus I have a lot of other Americana decor so it fits in perfectly.  These stars and lanterns would also make great table centerpieces for your picnics provided it’s not a super windy day.

I think making them out of glitter paper really makes them pop.  And makes them perfect for the 4th of July.

I have step by step instructions for making each piece.  Plus the SVG cut files are free for you to use.  And there’s a quick video at the end if you prefer watching.

So let’s get to it.

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DIY Patriotic Decor Supplies

How to Make the 3D Stars

Upload the 3D star SVG file to your design software.  Both the 3D star and the template for the star wands are on one sheet.  Everything is already sized for you and will fit on an 8.5×11 sheet.

But if you are going to make the star wands they have some score lines included for easier folding.  If you are not going to use the score lines simply select and then delete them.  Otherwise select them and change them to score.

When you are done be sure to select everything and click the attach button on the bottom right of Cricut Design Space.

The 3D stars are really simple.  There are three pieces to it.  One star with a hole cut in the center and two half stars with tabs.

Slide the tab through the hole and glue down with your hot glue gun. I found using a hot glue gun was best to get the glitter cardstock to stick

Next take the other half of the star and insert the tab on the other side and glue it down also.  So you’ll notice the backside is white.  If you want glitter all around you can cut two sets and glue them back to back before you assemble them.

As it is, you will only see the glitter side from one direction.

How to Make the Star Wands

I tied red white and blue ribbon around a wooden skewer but the ribbon is totally optional.  Hot glue your skewer to the back of the star without tabs and set aside.

Fold the tabs back on the other star.  There are also score lines to fold this into a 3d star if you wish.  Start with the pointy ends on the star and fold them so the back of the paper is touching.  You only need to fold down to the center of the star.  Make a fold for each point.

Then on the non-pointy parts, you fold in so the glitter side is touching.  And again you only need to fold down to the center of the star.

It should look like this when you’re done folding it.

After you have all of the folds done place it over the star with the wand glued to it.  Next hot glue all of the tabs down to the back.  There’s a video available at the end if it will help you to see it being made.

And if you’re not up to all of that folding, I totally forgot to fold the red star, and it still looks good.

How to Make the Patriotic Lantern

The lantern is a separate SVG in the same folder.  Locate the file named USA Lantern and upload it to your design software.  The lantern also has score lines, so be sure to either delete them if you won’t be using them or change them to score.

When you are done select everything and click attach.  Now you are ready to make it.  The lantern is sized and ready to go for an 8.5×11 sheet.

Cut a piece of vellum or tissue paper slightly smaller than the lantern cut out and glue it to the back.  I used some white glittery tissue paper I found at the dollar store.

Next fold along all of the score lines.  There is a tab to fold at the USA end and also down the center of each break.

After the lantern is folded hot glue the end tab and attach it to the other end to form a square.  And that’s it.  Super easy!

You can place LED tea lights or a small strand of string lights to the lanterns too.  It really makes them look amazing, especially at night.

Let’s sum up the cost of making your own patriotic decor.  I paid $0.79 a sheet for the glitter cardstock.  So to make all the decorations in each color that’s $4.74 in cardstock. (you can find it cheaper if you hold out for a sale!)   The LED tealights you can find as low as $0.40 each. 

A pack of tissue paper is $1.00 as is the ribbon, and the wooden skewers are like a few cents each.   I would say that’s pretty cheap for stunning decorations!

DIY Patriotic Decor Video

Sometimes it’s just easier to see a craft being made to fully understand the instructions.  I sped up the the video so you can see how it’s done in less than two minutes.

Get the FREE SVG Files

*If you need help downloading SVG Files to your iPad, iPhone or PC see this post*

I keep all of my free SVG files, plans and printables in my resource library that I made for subscribers to my newsletter.  When you sign up to receive the weekly newsletter you will get the exclussive password and have access to all of the files free of charge.

To join simply fill out the form below.  This file is called DIY Patriotic Decor and can be found under SVG files.

Share Your Creations

Did you make the lanterns and stars?  Snap a pic and share your beautiful creation with all of Pinterest!  Simply PIN the image below and then click on TRIED IT to upload your own pictures.  I can’t wait to see them all!

Haven’t tried it yet?  Be sure to PIN IT for later!