This project was built and designed by Nick from Rocky River Woodworks. It’s a simple, budget-friendly woodworking build that turns scrap wood into a rustic 4th of July star with bold red and blue stained accents.
Easy to replicate and great for gifting or decorating, this star comes together with precise angle cuts, quick glue-ups, and optional charring to bring out a vintage feel. It’s a fun weekend project with a festive payoff.
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A Festive Way to Use Scrap Wood
This project makes good use of scrap pine or other leftover boards, keeping the build economical. Nick’s version includes red, white, and blue tones, but the idea can be adapted to any color scheme or seasonal theme.
The star is made up of repeated trapezoidal pieces. Once the first few are cut and assembled, making more becomes quick and easy.
Preparing for the Cuts
Nick starts by gathering scrap wood with consistent thickness and width. Pine is used for its workability and how well it takes stain and burning.
To make the five-pointed star, two angles are critical—54 degrees and 18 degrees. These are set on the miter saw before cutting. Starting with five 54-degree cuts creates a foundation for one side of each point.
Once those are cut, the saw is switched to 18 degrees for the opposite angle on each piece. It’s important to measure from long point to long point to keep all parts symmetrical and aligned.
Cutting Trapezoidal Segments
As the star shape begins to take form, leftover wood from earlier cuts can be flipped or trimmed to make the smaller sections. This helps reduce waste and keeps the process efficient.
Nick double-checks his angles and lengths during this stage to make sure everything will line up cleanly during assembly. Getting consistent cuts now makes fitting the star together much easier later on.
Charring for a Rustic Finish
One unique detail in this project is the use of fire to add character. Nick lightly chars each piece of wood to bring out the grain and give the star an aged look.
This step is optional but adds texture and depth. Safety is a must, so Nick takes care to burn wood in a well-ventilated area and uses proper precautions.
Staining in Red and Blue
Once the pieces are burned, Nick applies wood stain to bring out patriotic colors. Red is used on the shorter pieces, while blue is applied to the longer ones.
Dipping the pieces into the stain saves time, though it’s important to wipe off excess to avoid blotching. The bold colors stand out nicely against the darkened grain from the burning process.
Assembling the Star
Assembly begins by pairing one red and one blue piece together. Nick uses CA glue and an activator spray for quick bonding, working one pair at a time.
Once the pairs are ready, he joins them into a five-pointed star shape. Careful alignment is key to getting tight joints and a balanced layout.
The result is a sturdy, lightweight decorative piece that doesn’t require any screws or clamps thanks to the fast-drying glue.
Adding a Hanging Option
To turn the star into wall decor, Nick drills a small hole near the top point. Alternatively, a hanger can be added to the back using a small bracket or picture hanger.
He also suggests painting a white circle or square behind the star for a fully patriotic red, white, and blue finish. This step is optional but adds contrast and enhances visibility.
A Simple Project with a Big Impact
This wooden star project is approachable, fast, and repeatable. It’s a great use of scrap material and can be completed with just a miter saw, some stain, glue, and a bit of creativity.
Nick’s design makes it easy to batch out multiple stars for gifts, craft fairs, or personal use. The final result is festive and timeless, perfect for July 4th celebrations or year-round Americana decor.
Please support Nick by visiting his website here: https://www.rockyriverwoodworks.com/.