Fun Fourth of July Crafts for Kids

In the United States, the Fourth of July is a holiday set aside to celebrate the freedom of America and show pride in our great country. This year for Independence Day, try these craft ideas to show off your country patriotism and have fun doing it, too! These four Fourth of July crafts are designed with the enjoyment of children in mind but will also make excellent decorations for an Independence Day party.

Fourth of July Craft for Kids--Fourth of July Party Wand

Your child will be proud to wave this Fourth of July Party Wand in celebration at a parade, party, or fireworks display.

SUPPLIES NEED:

One wooden skewer
Three pipe cleaners (1 red/1 white/1 blue)
Felt (any combination of red, white, and blue)
Ribbon (red, white, or blue)
Craft glue

-Twist the red, white, and blue pipe cleaners around three-quarters of the wooden skewer (leave the pointed end uncovered).

-Cut two big stars from the red felt (or color of your choice).

-Cut two small stars from the white felt (or other color you choose).

-Glue one of the larger stars to the top (the uncovered end) of the wooden skewer. Attach the other big star to the opposite side of the stick and then glue the edges of the felt stars together.

-Attach the smaller stars in the center of both large stars.

-Cut the ribbon into varying lengths and tie the pieces between the pipe cleaner handle and the star.

Fourth of July Craft for Kids--Fourth of July Firecracker Noisemaker

Make a bang with your child by letting him/her join in the Independence Day festivities with a homemade (and safe) firecracker. This Fourth of July Firecracker Noisemaker will bring semi-noisy excitement to your child without the danger! It also makes a cute Fourth of July decoration or party favor.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

One paper towel tube (you can also make a smaller firecracker by using a toilet paper roll)
Crepe paper (red/blue)
Two plastic covers (from milk jugs or juice bottles)
Four pipe cleaners (red, white, or blue)
Beads, bells, pasta, rice, or anything else that makes noise
Craft glue

-Glue vertical stripes of red and blue crepe paper until the paper towel tube is covered. Fold the ends of the crepe paper inside the tube and glue them in place.

-Glue a plastic cover in the hole of one side of the tube.

-Poke to small holes in the other plastic cover (just big enough for the pipe cleaners to fit through).

-Insert the ends of two pipe cleaners in the holes of the plastic cover and twist them together to fasten in place. To make the firecracker fuse, twist the remainder of the two pipe cleaners until they become one piece.

-Add the noisemaking filler inside the tube.

-Plug the open end of the tube with the fuse cover and glue into place.

-With the remaining pipe cleaners, make two small circles to place on either end of the firecracker and secure with glue.

Fourth of July Craft for Kids--Fourth of July Uncle Sam Hats

Enlist your child's help to make this adorable, yet easy to make, Uncle Sam Hat. This craft project is a whimsical decoration perfect for your adding patriotic fun to your home or Fourth of July party. For an extra element of excitement, use this Uncle Sam Hat as a party favor and fill the container with little goodies.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

One clean plastic container with lid (I used a 16 oz. sour cream container)
Felt (red/white/blue)
Craft glue

-Begin by cutting strips of red and white felt (make them 1 ½ inches wide and slightly longer than the height of the container).

-Attach felt strips vertically to the container, alternating between the red and white.

-Cut a blue felt circle to cover the bottom of the container (this will become the top of the Uncle Sam hat). Secure the felt with craft glue.

-Place the plastic lid in the center of the blue felt and measure a circle 1 ½ inches wider than the lid.

-Glue the lid in the center of the blue felt circle and reattach the lid to the plastic container. The cover now becomes the base of the hat.

Fourth of July Craft for Kids--Fourth of July Flag Planter

PARENTAL WARNING ** This craft project is best suited for older children and requires adult supervision. The melted glue from a glue gun is extremely hot and should be used with caution. **

Show your American patriotism by adorning your table with this festive Fourth of July Flag Planter.

SUPPLIES NEED:

One Plastic bottle (2 liter)
Craft sticks (popsicle sticks) - Amount may vary according to box size
Small cardboard box (I cut the bottom off from 12-can refrigerator pack box)
Acrylic paint (red/white/blue)
Hot glue gun

-Paint the craft sticks (for this size I used 24 red/16 white/14 blue)

(Two of the blue sticks need to be cut in half. Cut them first and then paint them.)

-While the sticks dry, cut the end off a 12 pack (refrigerator style) cardboard box.

-Begin by creating a frame on the corners of the box. Glue one blue craft stick vertically on each corner. If your box is not a perfect square, you may need to add a second blue craft stick to make the frame the correct distance apart.

-Once the frame is in place, glue a red stick horizontally along the frame (glue the ends to the blue craft sticks). Continue this alternating pattern of two red/two white craft sticks until the side is covered. Repeat this process on all four sides of the box.

-On the front side, attach the four smaller blue craft sticks (the ½ sticks) in the upper left-hand corner.

-Using the white paint, add small stars on the blue field to complete the flag.

-Cut the bottom off from the plastic bottle (2 liter) and poke drainage holes on the bottom.

-Plant the flowers/plant in the plastic container and place it inside the planter box. I also inserted a plastic dish (sandwich holder) at the bottom of the box to prevent the cardboard from becoming wet.

Have fun creating these patriotic crafts with your child. I wish you a safe and Happy Fourth of July!!