Many of our normal Independence Day festivities have been put on hold this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate at home! These six easy Fourth of July crafts are super accessible for a broad range of ages, and you probably already have most of the supplies on hand. Give a few a try as you discuss the topic of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for ALL.
POPSICLE STICK FLAG
Materials:
- 6 popsicle sticks
- Red & white paint
- Paintbrushes
- Blue construction paper
- Star stickers (optional)
- Glue stick
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint three popsicle sticks red and two popsicle sticks white (painting the sixth popsicle stick—the flagpole—is optional).
- Once dry, hot glue the red and white sticks to the flagpole in an alternating red and white pattern.
- Cut out a small square of blue construction paper and stick several star stickers on it (or use white paint to create stars).
- Use a glue stick to adhere the blue paper to the top left corner of the flag.
LEGO FLAG
Materials:
- LEGO or DUPLO brick (we used DUPLO)
- White & blue construction paper
- Red & white paint
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut out a square from the blue construction paper and glue it to the top left corner of the white construction paper.
- Dip a LEGO or DUPLO in white paint. Press the LEGO to the blue paper several times until the entire blue area is covered with white “stars.”
- Clean the LEGO (or use a second) and dip it in red paint. Press the LEGO to the white paper many times to create a red and white striped pattern to complete the flag.
FORK FIREWORKS
Materials:
- Fork (metal or plastic)
- White construction paper
- Red, white & blue paint
Instructions:
- Dip the backside of the fork into different paint colors, one at a time, and press to the white paper in a circular pattern to create fireworks.
- Seriously, that’s it! (And the kids love using a kitchen utensil in an unusual way!)
PATRIOTIC HANDPRINT
Materials:
- Blue construction paper
- Red, white & blue paint
- Paintbrushes
- Star stickers (optional)
Instructions:
- Using their left hand, paint a blue square onto the lower section of the child’s palm, on the pinkie side close to the wrist.
- Alternate painting red and white stripes across the rest of the child’s palm.
- Pause many times to allow for giggles because “it tickles.”
- Have the child press their painted palm to the blue construction paper. Press hard and firm, but don’t wiggle the hand or fingers. Then wash hands!
- Once dry, add star stickers to the blue section, or paint white stars onto the area.
PATRIOTIC PAPER LANTERN
Materials:
- Red, white & blue construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- White yarn
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Cut two thick strips (about three inches) of blue construction paper for the top and bottom of the lantern.
- Cut five wavy strips (about one inch) of red construction paper for the vertical lantern strips.
- Use glue stick to adhere tops and bottoms of red strips to the blue strips, about two inches apart.
- Cut out five (or however many you want) stars from the white construction paper and glue to the front of the vertical, red lantern strips.
- Bring the outside edges of the blue strips together to form a cylinder; glue (or staple) the ends of the blue strips together.
- Punch two holes directly across from one another in the top blue strip. String white yarn through the holes and tie to create a hanger.
- Crease each red strip in the middle to add shape and volume.
Happy Independence Day, everyone!
