Memorial Day is more than a long weekend with a backyard BBQ. It’s a heartfelt opportunity to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in service to our country. And what better way to reflect on that sacrifice than by getting hands-on with Memorial Day crafts that bring families and even entire communities together?
You might be planning decorations for a local event, planning some kid-friendly activities for Memorial Day, or something else entirely. Fortunately, Woodpeckers has the high-quality unfinished wood pieces you need to make the special day (and your creations) even more meaningful. From wooden star cutouts to flag-shaped signs and eagle silhouettes, there’s something for every age and crafting skill level. Keep reading to get some creative ideas for your Memorial Day wood crafts!
Memorial Day crafts for preschoolers
When crafting with little hands and young minds, it’s all about simplicity, color, and fun. Easy Memorial Day crafts can be both educational and engaging, helping your preschoolers begin to understand the meaning behind the holiday through creative play.
At Woodpeckers, we recommend starting with the basics: red, white, and blue paints, some safety scissors, and a few patriotic cutouts. Our wooden star cutouts are the perfect canvas for little artists. Preschoolers can paint them solid colors or go wild with stripes, polka dots, and glitter. Add a ribbon or magnetic strip to the back for an adorable fridge decoration or classroom project. They’ll be so proud to see their star artwork on display at home or at school!
Want something with a little more dimension? Turn a simple tray into a Memorial Day shadow box. Use one of our small wooden trays as a base and let kids fill them with mini flags, star stickers, and cut-out photos of soldiers or historical symbols. It’s an easy project that still creates a keepsake — and a great way to introduce the history of Memorial Day in an age-appropriate way. Plus, these trays make adorable table decorations for family gatherings.
Memorial Day crafts for kids
Older kids (and even teens) love a project that’s a little more involved and lets them express their growing creativity. These Memorial Day craft ideas encourage artistic freedom and pride in being an American. So, as a parent or teacher, it’s a win-win!
One standout option for kids is our 12” wood flag cutout. With its instantly recognizable shape and generous surface area, it’s perfect for a stars-and-stripes masterpiece. Kids can paint the entire flag, stencil in meaningful words like “freedom” or “honor,” and even glue on buttons or fabric to create texture. These wooden flags look great on classroom walls, family porches, or local parade floats. They also make wonderful keepsakes to bring out each year for patriotic holidays.
Another hit for kids is creating a patriotic collage. Supply them with wooden stars, red-and-white paper strips, and blue paint, then let them build an American flag or burst of fireworks on a painted wooden panel or tray. Add a short note about what Memorial Day means to them, and you’ve got a thoughtful, personalized project that’s ready to display. It’s a creative way to connect art with history in a way kids will remember!
Memorial Day crafts for adults
If you’re looking for Memorial Day craft ideas for adults, think beyond basic stars and stripes. There’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple (especially if you’re relatively new to crafting), but you could potentially create stunning, sophisticated pieces that blend patriotism with farmhouse charm, making perfect home décor or heartfelt gifts.
One of the most striking options in our collection is the 16” wood eagle cutout. This majestic piece makes a statement on any wall or door. Paint it in classic Americana colors or give it a rustic stain for a more vintage look. You can even mount it on a wooden board with a flag motif behind for a layered display that will make an even bigger impact. It’s the kind of project that will get compliments year after year.
Shadow boxes are another top choice for adults. You can use deep wooden trays to build layered tributes to veterans — complete with painted stars, mini flags, and personal notes. Some crafters include vintage family photos or memorabilia to create an heirloom-worthy display. These projects can be highly personalized and serve as lasting tributes to your loved ones who have served. They’re especially meaningful when given as gifts to military families or veterans.
Memorial Day crafts for seniors
Once you hit a certain age, your hands and fingers may not have the same dexterity that they once did, and your vision might make things even harder. This is why easy Memorial Day crafts are often better for seniors, as comfort and accessibility are key. Many older adults enjoy crafting but may need simpler materials or techniques due to mobility or vision limitations. That doesn’t mean the end result has to be basic — it can still be beautiful, meaningful, and worthy of showcasing in the home.
The 16” wood flag cutout is ideal for older adults. It’s large enough to grip easily and requires only basic painting skills to create a lovely display piece. Seniors can work individually or as a group to paint flags and write messages of remembrance or gratitude on the stripes. These flags are great for hanging in community centers, assisted living facilities, or outside bedroom doors. They also serve as conversation starters and sources of pride.
Another easy-going but rewarding craft is decorating wooden trays for Memorial Day. Older adults can use stickers, decoupage, or stamps to create red, white, and blue designs, then fill the trays with artificial flowers, miniature flags, or candles for centerpieces that brighten the space. It’s a festive way to decorate shared spaces and celebrate together. Just remember to be careful if you use candles, and always keep a close eye on your creation if you plan on lighting them.
Create your DIY patriotic wood crafts with Woodpeckers
Whether you’re helping a preschooler with their first patriotic paint project or crafting a custom memorial tribute, Woodpeckers is your go-to source for Memorial Day wood crafts. Our unfinished wood cutouts — from stars to flags and majestic eagles — are perfect for any age, ability, or artistic vision.
Looking to host a patriotic paint party or a craft day at the local rec center? Woodpeckers makes it easy with dependable shipping, consistent quality, and a huge selection of craft-ready wood pieces. You’ll find the shapes you need, the size you want, and the quantities to match your vision — all in one place. From heartfelt home décor to fun, kid-friendly creations, we’ve got what it takes to bring your red, white, and blue ideas to life.
Plus, with products available in singles or bulk options, you can stock up for classrooms, community groups, or your own family’s holiday plans. Let your love for country shine through with every brushstroke — and make this Memorial Day one to remember for years to come.
Did you enjoy our Memorial Day wood crafts guide? Be sure to let us know in the comments and check out our Memorial Day collections shop to find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!
