Instructions
STEP 1:
Research the history of the American flag on the Internet or research book. The images and information in the example was derived from Wikipedia. Create a book to hold the information. Add photos, quotes, etc., as desired. The book can be folded or spiral bound as in example. This service is available at most office supply stores. For the cover, a photograph of a flag was taken on a windy day and sticker letters added for the title. The inside pages were decorated with stamped and glittered stars and fireworks drawn with gold glitter pen.
STEP 2:
The correct ratio of the flag is 1:1.9, so your metal surface needs to be one that can handle that ratio. The flag on the example is 10” by 19”. Choose your metal base with that in mind. Other items, such as metal signs, baking sheets, double eye covers for the stove, etc., could be used.
STEP 3:
Research the measurements of the flag and draw your flag according to those. The width of the navy blue canton (aka “Union”) should be 2/5 of the width and should cover the height of seven stripes. All the official flags had the 13 stripes, with only the number and formation of the stars changing. Paint the flag on your metal, or create the flag with cardstock and glue to the metal.
STEP 4:
The British Union Jack stripes of the first flag (Continental Flag plus other names) were included in the example, but this was not an official flag. It was cut out of craft foam.
STEP 5:
When you choose your stars, be sure they are a size that would allow fifty of the stars to fit on the blue canton called the “union”. The book and stars can be kept on the metal mat or if a smaller mat is being used, these items could go in a tin. If you paint the flag, spray or paint a sealant over it to protect the paint.
STEP 6:
* Tip for Success: If you are short of time, you might consider making your flag out of cardstock and mounting it on the metal mat. The painted flag is more durable, but it does take a considerable amount of time to paint. Be sure to use magnets that are strong enough to hold the pieces on the metal mat.
* Techniques: stamping, glitter