DIYHolidaysKids CraftsUpcycled

How to DIY American Flag Jean Shorts

Sharing is caring!

This post, How to DIY American Flag Jean Shorts, contains affiliate links. Using links to these sites means I will earn a percentage of the purchase at no extra cost to you.

Stars and stripes forever, and always!  On a recent visit, my niece asked me how to DIY American Flag Jean Shorts and since we are crafty partners in crime, I immediately said YES, bring it on!  We both often jump into DIY projects and figure it out as we go, so this was a fun collaboration.  She looked through my paint stash and selected the new DecoArt Extreme Sheen and Galaxy Glitter paints!

Upcycled Jean Shorts painted with silver and blue stars on one pocket with red and silver stripes on the other pocket #creativelybeth #upcycle #jeanshorts #americanflag

 

How to DIY American Flag Jean Shorts

Here's what you will need:

Here's how to make it:

STEP ONE

Fold scrap paper and insert into jean short pockets to prevent paint from seeping through.  Basecoat the left pocket with Deep Sapphire and the right pocket with Ruby using the 3/4 flat paintbrush.  Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.

Create DIY American Flag Shorts in three easy steps with Creatively Beth! #americanflag #recycled #clothing #painted #decoart

One of the reasons I love DecoArt paints is the excellent one-coat coverage on most surfaces!

Create DIY American Flag Shorts in three easy steps with Creatively Beth! #americanflag #recycled #clothing #painted #decoart

 

STEP TWO

Using a chalk pencil, draw stars onto the Deep Sapphire pocket.  Vary the size and placement of the stars to create interest.  TIP:  Use a stencil or template if you do not want to draw the stars freehand.  Apply Silver Moon to the inside of the stars with a number 6 round paintbrush, using a dabbing motion to spread the glitter evenly.  Allow the paint to dry completely.

Create DIY American Flag Shorts in three easy steps with Creatively Beth! #americanflag #recycled #clothing #painted #decoart

 

STEP THREE

Cut sections of painters tape in half lengthwise and then apply to Ruby pocket diagonally.  Vary the width of the stripes to create interest.  Burnish the edges of painters tape with your thumbnail to get good adhesion.  Apply Silver Moon to the inside of the stripes with a number 6 round paintbrush, using a dabbing motion to spread the glitter evenly.  Allow the paint to dry completely.  TIP:  As the Galaxy Glitter paint drys on the uneven denim surface the glitter will collect in the low areas.  Apply a second coat in the high areas for consistency.  Once dry, remove the painters tape.

Create DIY American Flag Shorts in three easy steps with Creatively Beth! #americanflag #recycled #clothing #painted #decoart

NOTE:  Hand-wash these embellished jean shorts for best results.

Create DIY American Flag Shorts in three easy steps with Creatively Beth! #americanflag #recycled #clothing #painted #decoart

Here is a close-up shot of those gorgeous, glittery pockets.  I am IN LOVE!

The STARS pocket…

Create DIY American Flag Shorts in three easy steps with Creatively Beth! #americanflag #recycled #clothing #painted #decoart

And the STRIPES pocket…

Create DIY American Flag Shorts in three easy steps with Creatively Beth! #americanflag #recycled #clothing #painted #decoart

I hope you have enjoyed this DIY project!

I have had this idea rolling around in the back of my head for a while and was super excited that my niece asked me to help her create these cute American Flag Jean Shorts.  And although it is not a 100% original idea, our use of metallic and glitter paints combined with the random variety of stars and stripes gives our project a unique twist.

Create DIY American Flag Shorts in three easy steps with Creatively Beth! #americanflag #recycled #clothing #painted #decoart

Here's a bit of BTS (behind the scenes) for this project.  I created a sample board to see what paints work the best on denim.  Loved the Extreme Sheen in Ruby and Deep Sapphire in combination with the Galaxy Glitter Silver Moon.  I also tried Extreme Sheen in Pearl which was too matchy and the Americana Titanium White which was too plain.  If you take the time to create a sample, then you will always be pleased with the finished result!

Create DIY American Flag Shorts in three easy steps with Creatively Beth! #americanflag #recycled #clothing #painted #decoart

Please check out my other patriotic projects Felt, Ribbon and Lace American Flag or American Flag Door Hanger Created from Vintage Rulers

Thanks for stopping by!

Upcycled Jean Shorts painted with silver and blue stars on one pocket with red and silver stripes on the other pocket #creativelybeth #upcycle #jeanshorts #americanflag

10 thoughts on “How to DIY American Flag Jean Shorts

  • These are super cute. I’m absolutely in love with those glitter stripes. Awesome job. I’m definitely going to have to grab some of my jean shorts and paint soon. Thanks so much for sharing your project. 🙂

    Reply
    • Thanks Amy – They are super easy to make!

      Reply
  • What a great idea Beth! Showing this to my daughter who I know will be all over this with a Canadian patriotic spin for Canada Day.

    Reply
    • YES!! That would be an awesome twist, Marie!

      Reply
    • Thank you, Zefi – they were super easy to make 🙂

      Reply
  • Beth,
    Oh these shorts are absolutely adorable! Your model did a great job!!!
    xo Lisa S

    Reply
    • Thanks, Lisa – My Niece! She did a great job!

      Reply
  • These are so cute! I’ll be featuring them tomorrow on Crafty Creators! I’ll feature them over the next week on social media.
    XOXO,
    Niki ~ Life as a LEO Wife

    Reply
    • AWESOME, Niki! Thank you very much 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Creatively BethCancel reply