4th of July Crafts

By Barbara Feldman

The 4th of July will be here soon. This is a great time to spend with friends and family while celebrating our country's heritage. One great way to help kids learn about the 4th of July is through crafts.

As you do these crafts with kids, you can help them learn about the various meanings behind them.

Hand Print Flag

The project uses kids' handprints to make an American flag. This is a great time to discuss what the flag means, such as the significance of the number of stars and stripes.

Materials needed:

Red, white and blue construction paper

One large blue rectangular piece of paper

Scissors

Pen or pencil

Glue

Instructions:

Have each child trace his or her handprints on the red and white paper, then cut them out.

Cut out the number of stars you would like to use from the white paper.

Arrange and glue the handprints on the blue background piece of paper, making sure to leave a rectangle in the upper left-hand corner. The handprints will make up the stripes on the flag.

Glue the stars to the blue corner.

Liberty Bell

You can teach kids the story behind the Liberty Bell as you do this fun craft.

Materials needed:

Gold craft paint

2-inch clay pot

4-inch clay pot

Hemp cord

Paint pen or permanent marker

Unfinished wooden beads

Instructions:

Paint pots and wooden beads with the gold craft paint. You can experiment with different colors to make the pots look aged.
String a bead onto a length of hemp cord. Fold the cord in half, keeping the bead at the center. Tie a knot above the bead to secure it in place on the cord, then tie another knot approximately 1 ½ inches up.

String another bead onto the cord and knot it in place. String the 2-inch pot onto the cord, going up through the inside of the pot so the beads dangle inside the pot. Tie a knot above the hole in the pot. Add another bead and tie a knot to hold the bead in place.
Add the 4-inch pot to the cord, going up through the inside of the pot and out of the hole, so the 2-inch pot is dangling on the inside. Add another bead, knot to hold in place, and go to around 2 inches from the end of the cord. Tie a knot, add a bead, and tie a double knot to secure it.

Using the permanent marker, write "Liberty" on the rim of the bell and add a painted crack.

Fireworks on Paper

Kids of all ages will enjoy doing this craft while you discuss firework safety with them.

Materials Needed:

Black or dark construction paper

Glitter

White glue

Newspapers (or other type of paper to lie down for easy cleanup)

Instructions:

Spread the newspapers out and place the construction papers on top of them. This helps make cleanup easier.

Spread glue on the paper in geometric shapes to resemble fireworks. Note: If your glue is a soft consistency, try putting a glob on the paper and then blowing it outwards to give it more of the effect of a firework.

While the glue is still wet, sprinkle glitter over the top. Slide the excess glitter back into the glitter container or on the top of the newspaper.

Continue the above steps until you have the desired amount of fireworks. Experiment with different colors of glitter and shapes.

For more Independence Day crafts, coloring and games, visit Independence Day Fun at http://www.independencedayfun.com

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For more on July 4th Crafts, see www.bestguidetocrafts.com.