Cam's Field Notes
A Gift for a Good Man
I’m the kind of person who gets an idea and can’t let it go until it’s real—especially when it involves making something with my hands. A while back, I decided to carve an American flag for my father-in-law’s 70th birthday. He’s a proud guy, loves this country, and I wanted to give him something that felt personal, meaningful, and lasting.
I started with some plain old 2x4s—nothing fancy, just construction-grade lumber you’d find at any hardware store. I’ve always liked the idea of taking basic materials and turning them into something unique. For the frame, I used red oak offcuts I had lying around from a past project. The wood already had a story, and it gave the flag a little extra character.
Coloring the flag was a fun process. I used some deep red and blue dyes and whitewash for the stripes. It was all about getting that aged-but-bold look, like the flag had been waving on a porch for years. For the stars, I broke out the Dremel and carved each one by hand—no stencils, no shortcuts. They’re a little different from each other, which I actually love. It adds a human touch that machines just can’t replicate.
The whole thing ended up being about 3 feet wide, and I added a little twist at the end—engraving the Second Amendment across the white stripes. It was a nod to both my father-in-law’s values and the kind of thoughtful detail I enjoy working into projects.
As a final touch, I built in a display box to hold a model Colt Single Action Army revolver. It’s got that old-school Western look and ties into the theme of history and heritage that runs through the whole piece.
I didn’t make this to sell or show off—just wanted to make something meaningful for someone I care about. But it ended up being one of those projects that reminded me why I love woodworking in the first place. It's problem-solving, patience, and creativity all rolled into one. And yeah, it's also a little messy and full of sawdust—but that’s part of the fun.
If you’re curious how it all came together, I filmed the process and uploaded it—check it out on my Youtube channel!
