DIY Americana Shorts.

"Vintage Americana" has been the talk of the town this past month.  I love this trend!!  I am a proud American and what better trend to have with the 4th of July approaching.  I have created an inspiration board on Polyvore of all things Americana.  

1.  Nasty Gal Americana Crop Top.  2.  Dannijo Lincoln Necklace.  3.  UNIF Denim Jacket.  4.  Jeffrey Campbell Americana Lita Boot.  5. Current Elliot Distressed Print T.  6.  Marc by Marc Jacobs Pleated Skirt.  7. Topshop Dip-Dye Americana Short.  8.  Free People Americana Converse.

With all of this inspiration floating around I have had my eye on the lookout for some Americana gear.  I came across this DIY project on the Free People Blog and I had to try it out.

First I went to Urban Exchange, a local consignment store, and picked up a pair of jeans that could be easily cut into shorts.  I was looking for a lighter wash to create a more vintage look. 

This is a really easy project and there are only a few needed items.  Painter's tape, a stencil, cardboard (to lay under shorts in order to prevent paint from bleeding through) fabric paint, and a pair of shorts!

I started with the stripes.  Lay down the painters tape in the desired width of stripes.

Use fabric paint and spray away!

Leave tape on the shorts until dry.  Next on the to stars.

I found it easiest to spray paint onto a pallet and use a paint brush to fil in the stencil.  If you spray the paint first it will bleed under the stencil and you will end up with a blob instead of a star!

You can touch up the edges with a small paintbrush.

Tadah - final product!!  I love the look, very vintage Americana.  I will for sure be wearing these on the fourth, with a tan wedge and loose white tank!