(NAPSA)—Threecheers for the red, white and blue: Creative crafters are bringing the beloved stars and stripes to the forefront of everything from homemade Tshirts to home decorations such as wall and door hangings. Happily, such crafts can be easy—and affordable—to make. Helping many to express their patriotic pride in home handicrafts are the bright colors of Rit Dye. “We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for red and blue Rit Dye,” says Robert Kaufmann, senior product manager for Unilever-Bestfoods. “It’s a clear sign of people’s eagerness to show their pride and love for our country, and we’re especially pleased to donate a percentage of our red and blue dye sales to the American Red Cross.” Here’s an easy project, made with inexpensive around-thehouse items, that can adorn a door or wall with a decorative display of patriotism: Star Door/Wall Hanging 1. Cut two pieces of plywood ($1.50) into the shape of a star and rectangle; sand until smooth. 2. With pencil, lightly sketch design onto wood. Using a foam brush or sponge and undiluted, bottled Rit Scarlet Red, Royal Blue and Tan dyes ($2.98/bottle), brush design onto the wood, allowing dye to dry before adding next layer. Dye wooden stars Scarlet Red (available at craft stores for 5 Adorn a door or wall with a decorative display of patriotism. 25 cents each), let dry and then attach with glue. 3. To hang: Drill two small holes at the top of the rectangular piece of wood. Cut a 20-inch piece of wire (50 cents) and wrap it around a dowel stick or pencil to give it a twisted look. Thread the ends of the wire through the holes in the wood, then bend ends up and twist firmly around the wire. To attach star: Drill one hole at the bottom of the top piece of wood and one hole at the top of one point of the star. Cut a ten-inch piece of wire and thread it between those two holes. Twist the wire ends to hold firm around the holes. 4. Seal and waterproof with a lacquer or polyurethane spray. For additional craft ideas, visit www.ritdye.com.
