Party Craft: Make a Party Cracker

Whether you are planning a birthday party, a Fourth of July party, a New Year's celebration or some other type of party, you can make an easy party favor using some simple items you probably already have. Make this easy party cracker that can make your celebration more festive!

What is a Party Cracker?
If you're not sure what a party cracker is, it is simply a tube filled with confetti (and maybe even candy or some little toys, depending upon the type of party). You hold both ends then quickly yank, causing an eruption of confetti and other goodies.

Party Cracker Craft: What You'll Need
For this party cracker, you will need an empty toilet paper tube (yay for recycling!), some tissue paper, ribbon or string and confetti. You can also add small pieces of candy or small toys if the crackers are for a kid's party.

Party Cracker Craft: How to Make It
Start by cutting a piece of tissue paper for the party cracker. This should be wider than the toilet paper tube by at least two inches and should be enough paper to wrap around the tube a few times. Cut two lengths of ribbon or string--these will be used to tie the ends.

Lay the tube on the paper then roll it up and tie one end. Next you will add the confetti or other goodies.

The confetti can be whatever you would like--sequins, little bit of paper, store bought confetti or, as I like to use, homemade paper confetti. My kids have enjoyed making these party crackers with me and especially like making the homemade confetti. One easy way to make confetti is to use a hole punch and construction paper. If you don't have a hole punch, kids like cutting up paper so put them to work--the confetti doesn't have to be a specific size or shape.

After preparing the confetti, fill the toilet paper tube with the candy pieces, toys and confetti. Twist the tissue paper closed around the open end then tie with a length of ribbon or string. You can make several of these party crackers in a short amount of time and my kids always enjoy helping when I make them. Choose tissue paper and ribbon that goes with the festivities.

Place your party crackers in a decorative basket or bowl and when the time is right, instruct everyone to grab one, hold both ends and pull!