DALLAS, Nov 7, 2001 /FW/ -- Veterans Day is coming! Although this event is actually in the middle of the Christmas selling season, allotting an area to honor our heroes is a noble thing to do specially in the light of the current situation in the U.S.

You can buy ready-made patriotic display items, or you can make it yourself in your shop and customize it for your display.

• plywood
• Rit® Scarlet Red, Royal Blue and Tan Dyes
• off-white waterbased paint
• paintbrush (different sizes)
• foam brush
• jigsaw
• sandpaper
• magic markers (different colors)
• sponge
• lacquer spray

1. Cut the plywood to the desired size.
2. Sand until smooth.
3. Using a paint brush and undiluted, bottled Rit® Scarlet Red, Royal Blue and Tan Dyes, paint an American flag design onto the wood.
4. For the stars, use water-based off-white paint applied with a small sponge.
5. If you want to add a message, use your magic markers.
6. Allow to dry overnight
7. Seal and waterproof with lacquer spray.

1. Using your jigsaw, cut the plywood into 5-pointed star to the desired size.
2. Sand until smooth.
3. With a pencil, lightly sketch the design onto the wood.
4. Using a foam brush or sponge and undiluted bottled Rit® Scarlet Red, Royal Blue and Tan Dyes, brush the design to the wood allowing the dye to dry before adding the next layer.
5. To give it an "antique" effect, sand over the painted areas before painting on the next layer.
6. For another effect, "dab" with the sponge or foam brush instead of "painting."
7. Allow to dry overnight
8. Seal and waterproof with lacquer spray.