DIY Primitive Uncle Sam Using Wood Shims

Hey friends, it’s Emily! 💛 Today we’re making a super cute primitive Uncle Sam using simple wood shims. I love crafting with these because they’re inexpensive, easy to find, and you can turn them into so many fun projects!

This one has all the rustic farmhouse charm — distressed paint, Spanish moss, twine, and patriotic colors. It’s perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or adding some Americana style to your summer décor.

Let’s get started!

Materials List

Wood shims (approximately 12)
Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Craft stick / popsicle stick
Acrylic or chalk paint in the colors: Navy Blue, Light Mocha, Flamenco Red and White
Sanding block or sandpaper
Waverly Antique Wax
Baby wipe
Sharpie Paint Effect marker (black + white)
Extra-fine black marker
Spanish moss
Twine
Half wooden bead
White star stencil
Paintbrushes or makeup sponge

Step 1: Build the Wood Shim Base

First, glue your wood shims together along the thinner sides to create the body of Uncle Sam.

I used about 12 wood shims for this project, but you can adjust the width if you’d like a different size.

Then, press everything together until the glue sets and the body feels sturdy.

Step 2: Create the Hat

Next, use a craft stick to measure the top portion of the hat.

Once you have the size you like, paint both the hat section and the craft stick using navy blue paint. The craft stick will become the hat brim later.

Set those pieces aside to dry completely.

Step 3: Paint the Face

Then, use Light Mocha paint for the face area.

I used the craft stick as a guide for sizing so the proportions looked right.

Let that dry before moving on.

Step 4: Add the Patriotic Stripes

Now we’re going to move down to the body.

First, paint the red stripes using Flamenco Red paint.

Make sure the red paint dries completely before adding the white stripes. Otherwise, the colors can run together.

Then, fill in the spaces with white paint to create those classic patriotic stripes.

Step 5: Distress the Project

Once everything is dry, lightly sand the body and the painted craft stick.

I recommend letting the paint dry really well — even overnight if possible — before sanding. This helps keep the paint from lifting too much.

The sanding gives everything that beautiful rustic farmhouse finish.

Step 6: Add Antique Wax

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

This step deepens the colors and adds that warm primitive look that works so well with farmhouse décor.

Step 7: Add the Hat Brim

Then, glue the painted craft stick in place to create the brim of the hat.

You’ll really start seeing Uncle Sam come together here!

Step 8: Add the Face Details

Now it’s time to bring him to life.

Use a Sharpie Paint Effect marker to draw the eyes.

Then, add eyebrows using an extra-fine marker and finish with tiny white highlights in the eyes.

Those little details make such a difference!

Step 9: Create the Beard

Next, glue Spanish moss in place for the beard.

Additionally, pull some up along the sides to create sideburns.

Trim everything until you get the look you want.

Step 10: Add the Stars

Then, stencil white stars onto the navy blue hat.

This little detail adds so much patriotic charm.

Step 11: Add Twine & Nose

Next, wrap twine a few times below the beard.

Tie a small bow and glue it in place.

Then, paint a half wooden bead with Light Mocha paint, sand it lightly, apply antique wax, and glue it in place as the nose.

🇺🇸 Finished Primitive Uncle Sam

And that’s it! This wood shim Uncle Sam turned out so cute and has such a cozy primitive style.

I love how the rustic finish, Spanish moss beard, and twine details all came together. This would be adorable on a shelf, tiered tray, mantel, or mixed into your summer patriotic décor.

Let me know what you think and if 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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