DIY Farmhouse Wood Shim Firework Decor

Hey friends! Today we’re turning a few simple wood shims into the cutest farmhouse-style wood shim firework decor for summer.

I love how this project combines distressed navy paint, rustic wood, stars, a “USA” cutout, and a thick rope wick. It has plenty of patriotic charm without feeling overly bright or fussy, making it perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Americana decorating all summer long.

This little firecracker would look adorable on a shelf, mantel, entryway table, or tucked into a patriotic display. Let’s get started!

Materials You’ll Need

• Wood shims or thin wood slats
• Two shorter wood pieces for the supports
• Waverly Antique Wax
• Baby wipe (for applying the antique wax)
• Acrylic paint: Navy Blue, Vintage White, and Tuscan Red
• Chip brush
• Wooden star cutouts
• Wooden “USA” cutout
• Dixie Belle Antique Wax
• Blending tool
• Sandpaper or sanding block
• Thick rope
• Raffia
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Lighter, optional
• Cup of water, if singeing the rope ends (Safety first!)

Step 1: Assemble the Wood Shim Base

First, arrange the wood shims side by side until you are happy with the width of your firework.

Next, cut or choose two shorter pieces of wood to use as supports across the back. Then, glue those pieces horizontally across the shims to hold everything securely together.

Press the pieces firmly in place until the glue sets.

Step 2: Stain the Wood

Once the base is assembled, apply Waverly Antique Wax over the wood using a baby wipe.

The wax gives the unfinished wood a deeper, warmer color and creates the perfect base for the distressed paint finish.

Make sure to cover the front, sides, and any visible areas on the back. Then, allow everything to dry completely.

Step 3: Dry Brush the Base

Next, use a chip brush to dry brush navy blue paint over the wood shim base.

Dip the brush lightly into the paint, and then offload most of it onto a paper towel or scrap piece of cardboard. After that, lightly drag the brush across the surface.

You do not want full, solid coverage. Letting the antique wax and natural wood show through will create that beautiful rustic farmhouse look.

Continue adding light layers until you are happy with the finish, and then set the project aside to dry.

Step 4: Paint the Wooden Stars

Next, paint the wooden star cutouts with Vintage White paint.

Once the paint is dry, lightly sand the stars to distress the surface and edges. This helps them coordinate with the weathered firework base.

Step 5: Paint the “USA” Cutout

Paint the wooden “USA” cutout using Tuscan Red paint.

Then, once it is completely dry, lightly sand the letters to create a worn, aged appearance. You can also add a touch of antique wax around the edges to help the letters blend with the rest of the project.

Step 6: Plan the Layout

Before gluing anything down, arrange the stars and “USA” cutout on the firework base.

Move the pieces around until you find a placement that looks balanced. I like the look of a loose cluster of stars near the upper and middle section and “USA” placed toward the bottom.

Taking a minute to plan everything before gluing makes this step much easier.

Step 7: Attach the Embellishments

Once you are happy with the layout, use hot glue to attach the stars and “USA” cutout. Press each piece down carefully and allow the glue to cool before moving the project. At this point, the patriotic design really starts to come together!

Step 8: Create the Firework Wick

Next, cut a piece of thick rope to use as the firework wick.

For an extra rustic look, you can carefully singe the end of the rope.

Safety note: Only do this step if you are comfortable using an open flame. Work over a sink or fire-safe surface, keep water nearby, and never leave the flame unattended. You can also skip the singeing completely and simply fray the rope with your fingers.

Glue one end of the rope to the top of the wood shim base. Then, bend or position it so it looks like a fuse coming out of the firecracker.

Step 9: Add the Raffia Bow

Finally, make a simple bow using raffia and glue it near the top of the firework, close to the rope wick. Fluff the bow, trim the ends, and adjust the strands until they sit the way you want.

This little finishing touch adds even more farmhouse texture and helps bring the whole project together.

Finished Farmhouse Firework Decor

And that’s it! This wood shim firework decor turned out so cute and is such a fun way to add handmade patriotic style to your home.

Let me know what you think and whether you plan to give this one a try!

If you decide to make this DIY I’d love to hear from ya! You can drop a comment below or message me on any of my social media pages. Hope you have a blessed weekend and as always remember to keep it simple. Catch ya next week my friends! Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube

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