DIY Rustic Wood Block Uncle Sam

Hey friends! Today we’re making a super cute DIY rustic Uncle Sam using a simple wood block. These little square blocks from Lowe’s are so fun to craft with, and this one turned into the perfect farmhouse patriotic decor piece! You can make this as rustic or refined as you like. This is an easy, beginner-friendly project that’s perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or summer decorating. Let’s get started on your patriotic Wood Block Uncle Sam decor!

Materials You’ll Need

• Square wood block (Lowe’s or craft store)
• Acrylic Paing: Flamenco Red (red), Warm Buff (tan, for face), Navy Blue, and White
• Small paintbrush
• Makeup sponge or paint sponge
• Craft stick (popsicle stick)
• Sanding block
• Waverly Antique Wax
• Baby wipe
• Wooden star cutouts from our Stars Pack
• Spanish moss
• Sharpie Paint Effect marker (black + white)
• Half wooden bead (for nose)
• Hot glue gun + glue sticks

Step 1: Paint Uncle Sam’s Hat at the Top of Your Wood Block

First, paint the top portion of the block with Flamenco Red to create the hat.

Then, paint a craft stick the same red color — this will become the rim of the hat.

Step 2: Paint the Face

Next, use Warm Buff paint and a makeup sponge to paint the face area.

This gives a nice smooth finish and helps blend the paint evenly.

Step 3: Add the Shirt/Base Color 

Then, paint the bottom and sides of the block using navy blue.

Be sure to paint all sides so it looks finished no matter how you display it.

Let everything dry completely before moving on.

Step 4: Paint the Stars

Next, paint your wooden stars with white paint and set them aside to dry.

Step 5: Distress Everything

Once all the paint is dry, lightly sand the entire project — including the block, stars, and craft stick — using a sanding block.

This gives everything that soft, rustic farmhouse look.

Step 6: Add Hat Stripes

Then, use a small paintbrush and white paint to freehand stripes onto the hat.

Don’t worry about making them perfect — uneven stripes actually add to the charm!

Step 7: Add Antique Wax

Next, use a baby wipe to apply Waverly Antique Wax over the entire project.

This step deepens the colors and adds a beautiful aged finish.

Additionally, apply the wax to the stars and hat rim for a cohesive look.

Step 8: Create the Beard

Now, take some Spanish moss and glue it onto the lower portion of the face to form a beard.

Then, pull a little up along the sides to create sideburns.

Step 9: Attach the Hat Rim

Next, cut your painted craft stick to size and glue it onto the hat as the brim.

Step 10: Add the Face Details for Your Uncle Same Decor

Using a Sharpie paint marker, draw the eyes.

Then, add small white dots inside the eyes for highlights.

Step 11: Add Stars & Details

Glue the painted stars down the center of the block.

Step 12: Add Uncle Sam’s Nose

Next, paint a half wooden bead with Warm Buff paint, lightly distress it with antique wax, and glue it into place as the nose

Finished Uncle Sam

Then, write “1776” on the hat rim for a patriotic touch.

If needed, add small stars on either side to balance the design

And that’s it! This little Uncle Sam turned out so cute and adds the perfect handmade touch to your patriotic decor.

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

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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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