100 Fourth of July Crafts

Turning handprints into an eagle is the perfect activity to let kids’ creativity soar. They just need to cut out two opposite handprints from card stock, cut out a face, body, and claws, then stick these to form an eagle. Add a beak and some eyes, and your handprint eagle is ready to fly.

Here’s a good example of a handprint eagle from Pinterest.

We recommend a few fun hours of salt painting to add an air of celebration to your kids’ Independence Day festivities. Simply trace fireworks, add glue along these lines, pour salt over them, and then gently brush paint over them to create lovely abstract salt-painted fireworks.

Here’s a good example of salt-painted fireworks from The Best Ideas For Kids.

Want to avoid the salt-and-glue mess? Why not recycle those old bendable plastic or paper straws? Help the kids bundle a bunch of seven straws and bend their tips so they make a star, then let them dip them in patriotic paint colors and go crazy creating “fireworks” on white paper.

Here’s a good example of a straw-painted firework from Colorations.

All you need are some not-so-sharp cookie cutters, and you have the perfect activities for little kids to get busy with. Set out some red and blue paint, some white paper, and that’s it! Let the kids dip the cookie cutters into the paint, and press it on the paper. They can even add extra flourishes with a bit of glitter.

Here’s a good example of a red, white, and blue cookie-cutter painting from Messy Little Monster.

Roll thick paper in a tube shape and glue or staple it to maintain the shape. Then, add decorative streamers in red and blue to the bottom. Punch holes for string at the top, and tie this patriotic decoration somewhere on the front porch to welcome guests.

Here’s a good example of a patriotic paper windsock from The Girl Creative.

One of the quickest crafts on our list, this one only needs three things — a plain white tee, red and blue Sharpies, and rubbing alcohol. Place a firm cardboard or thick paper inside the shirt, and let kids get Sharpie-ing. Once they’re done, spray rubbing alcohol over this for that tie-dye look.

Here’s a good example of a patriotic tie-dye t-shirt from Making Life Blissful.

Break out the empty toilet paper rolls again, this time for a rocket-making activity. Let kids decorate these rolls like mini rockets, then make cone paper hats to stick to the top. Add a straw ‘fuse’ and tissue paper ‘flames’ and display these as fun decorations in your planters.

Here’s a good example of a Fourth of July Rocket by Happiness is Homemade.

The little ones can make their own fireworks with this fun craft idea. Instruct them to decorate a toilet paper roll with anything they want. Hand them cut-out circles to glue on one end. Then, fill it with goodies or treats, and glue on the other “lid” with a glittery pipe cleaner attached to help them pull these firecrackers.

Here’s a good example of toilet paper roll firecrackers from Repeat Crafter Me.

All you need are cupcake liners in patriotic shades for this easy and quick DIY craft. Press cupcake liners to make them flat, then cut up the ribbed part of each of these, leaving the center intact. Glue them to black cardstock, or glue a popsicle stick behind this to display them.

Here’s a good example of cupcake liner fireworks from Zippi Kids.

Glue stacked paper bags, making sure they all face the same way. Cut a point shape through the layers at the top of the bag. Put your hand inside either of the outside open ends, open them, and slowly pull the two ends together to form a circle. Stick these together to make a beautiful paper bag star. 

Here’s a good example of a grocery paper bag star by Positively Splendid.

Glue a red mini cupcake liner to the inside of a normal-sized blue cupcake liner, then stick a button in the middle. Tape a straw to the back and your patriotic flowers are ready to be showcased in a jar on your table.

Here’s a good example of red and blue cupcake liner flowers from Fireflies And Mudpies.

Help kids cut out stars from red, white, and blue cardstock — or go for a lighter palette. Stick two colored stars of the same color to each other, leaving a small gap at the bottom for the pencil. You can even add small strips of paper to create shooting stars for more fun.

Here’s a good example of star-shaped pencil toppers from Oh Happy Day.

With a little assistance, these kid-made Mason jar lights can brighten up any Independence Day celebration. Use rubber paint to add stars, flags, or fun designs on the jars. Spray the jars with silver paint, then remove the paint from the designed areas to reveal clear glass. Insert fairy lights or tealight candles, and enjoy!

Here’s a good example of Mason jar lights from Create Craft Love.

Inflate white or clear helium balloons using a helium tank, then secure them with colorful string. Decorate these with star stickers made of foam and dusted with a bit of glitter. Add a few streamers or fringes in red and blue, and the patriotic balloons are ready, and will probably stay in the air for days. 

Here’s a good example of Fourth of July balloons from Design Improvised.

Who needs store-bought flags when you can display these adorable handmade popsicle flags? Paint popsicle sticks red, white, and blue, and cut the blue ones in half. Paint or stick stars on these. Glue alternating red and white sticks over plain horizontal ones, and stick the blue over this. Apply a layer of Mod Podge and cut the bottom of the plain sticks to create a flag.

Here’s a good example of popsicle stick American flags from Kids Activities Blog.

Arrange white pony beads in a star shape on a board. Add red and blue beads in a desired design. Iron the boards with parchment or ironing paper in between. Melt the beads and wait for everything to cool. Flip it over, iron the other side, and your star-spangled coaster is done!

Here’s a good example of a red, white, and blue pony bead coaster from Merriment Design.

Color a clothespin and four different-sized popsicle sticks in blue or red, then glue the pin between two larger sticks. Stick a smaller popsicle stick to the back of the body for the tail. Attach a wooden bead to another small stick and place this where the propellor would go. And your patriotic airplane is ready!

Here’s a good example of a popsicle stick airplane by Making Life Blissful.

Tie or glue ribbons, lace, pop pom fringes, and red fabric scraps to a stick. To make the Union, sew white buttons onto a blue square, then stitch or glue this to the fabric strips. Hang this using twine or rope, and your charming homemade flag is ready to be hoisted anywhere you like.

Here’s a good example of a ribbon, lace, and fabric scrap flag from Creatively Beth.

Get those painting supplies ready! We’re turning old burlap into a fun and festive flag banner that’s not just gorgeous but can last years too! Cut burlap into pennants, then paint some in stripes and some in blue with white stars. Hot glue these to a rope, then hang them over the mantle or windows.

Here’s a good example of a burlap banner from Kara Creates.

The kids can make these incredibly cute headbands and wear them too! Set out supplies like colored pom pom balls, pipe cleaners, felt strip lettering, felt stars, ribbons, and more. Help them glue or tie whatever they like onto a white headband, and they are ready to be worn. 

Here’s a good example of patriotic headbands from Design Improvised.

This firework centerpiece is so easy, the kids will actually ask to help set the table! Hand them cardstock in red, white, and blue, a ruler, a pair of scissors, and instructions on cutting them all in the same size. Then, tape them to dowels and stand them in white vases for a striking effect.

Here’s a good example of a paper fireworks centerpiece from Design Improvised.

You can’t go wrong with a star wand and this one is easy too! Let the kids cut different-sized stars from cardstock. Stick these over each other, then tape strips of tinsel to the back of each star. Glue a colored popsicle stick or dowel to the back and hand these to kids to wave around!

Here’s a good example of an Independence Day star wand from Amy Latta.

Line your sidewalk or your pot plants with these simple and pretty patriotic pinwheels. Cut diagonally along the four edges of square Fourth Of July-themed paper. Fold each corner towards the center, then insert a push pin to hold these in place. When the glue dries, insert the push pin into a wooden skewer, and your pinwheels are done!

Here’s a good example of a patriotic pinwheel from Crafts By Amanda.

Nothing beats the creative henna tattoo if you’re looking for something natural, temporary, and super fun to create! Just mix the henna powder in water, pour the mixture into a small piping bag, and help kids pipe fun designs on the best canvas of all — their hands!

Here’s a good example of a Fourth of July henna tattoo from Pinterest.

Bring the fireworks indoors with this fun science-y experiment. Fill a jar with warm water. In a separate pan, mix a few tablespoons of oil with drops of different food coloring. Then, gently pour this into the water. The oil stays at the top but the colors sink, slowly “exploding” as they do to create multi-hued fireworks.

Here’s a good example of fireworks in a jar from Beyond The Playroom.

Get artsy with chalk pastels in this creative DIY project. Cut out stars, then place them on black paper, and draw thick lines around them using chalk pastels. Smudge the lines outward from the star using a Q-tip or your finger. Slowly lift the cutouts to reveal the stunning starburst artwork.

Here’s a good example of chalk pastel starburst art from Craftwhack.

Turn holiday-themed straws and play dough into a fun STEM project. Lay out the straws, play dough, and some tape, then invite the kids to build anything their little hearts desire. Let them figure out what they want to build, how best to create a stable structure, and how to keep it standing.

Here’s a good example of an Independence Day STEM building activity from Little Bins For Little Hands.

Set out glittery items like pipe cleaners, garlands, ribbons, and glitter stars on a tray. Let the kids choose their favorites to add to cleaned water bottles. Fill with water and more glitter, secure the cap tightly, and seal with colored duct tape for added security. You can also choose to add some glycerine to the water for added fun.

Here’s a good example of a Fourth of July sparkle bottle from Crafting A Fun Life.

This one’s another fun building activity. All that’s needed are LEGO blocks in red, white, and blue, and a fully engaged little one to build the American flag. For a more advanced activity, you can add little white “stars” on the blue section. 

Here’s a good example of a LEGO American flag from Little Bins For Little Hands.

A sensory bin is a great and low-fuss idea to get kids playing and learning. The prep is easy too — just dye rice in red and blue, then line it up in stripes in a deep-bottomed container. Add scoops, patriotic cupcake liners, and anything else you want, and let the kids get their hands dirty (figuratively).

Here’s a good example of a Fourth of July sensory bin from Life Over Arcs.

Beat the summer heat with this patriotic ice melt activity. Freeze themed items in red, blue, and plain water inside an open milk carton. Make sure to freeze each level before adding another. Once frozen, remove the carton and give the kids squirt bottles filled with warm water to uncover each frozen layer and the themed items.

Here’s a good example of a patriotic ice melt from Little Bins For Little Hands.

A science experiment as a table decoration? Bring it on! Simply pick or buy white flowers, then soak the stems in colored water. The petals will start to change color in an hour or so, creating patriotic blooms that are ready to grace your Fourth of July table. 

Here’s a good example of dyed patriotic flowers from Artful Parent.

Twine red, silver, and blue pipe cleaners around each of your fingers, then remove them without disturbing the coils. Twist one end of all coils together so all five combine to form one larger creation. Then, curl the bottom stem around your finger to get an exploding firework shape.

Here’s a good example of an exploding fireworks pipe cleaner ring from Momdot.

Help the kids create their own child-friendly sparklers at home. Cut the tassel into strips, then tape them together into one line. Use more tape to stick the tassels onto a straw to make the firework. Place them upside down in bottles, or let kids wave them around as part of their own indoor version of a fireworks display.

Here’s a good example of Fourth Of July sparklers from The House That Lars Built.

Whip up a batch of brownies using a recipe of your choice, then frost it with a layer of dark or milk chocolate. Sort red, white, and blue M&Ms and place them on your brownies color-wise, or in any order you prefer. They’re the perfect patriotic sweet treat for your Fourth of July festivities.

Here’s a good example of candy flag brownies from Betty Crocker.

The toilet paper roll makes an appearance again, this time for a cute craft that’s easy and effortless. Knot a deflated balloon, cut off its top, and attach this to one end of the roll. Decorate the roll with anything you like. Insert homemade confetti — gift wrapping paper, tissue, etc. — then pull the balloon knot to pop your popper!

Here’s a good example of confetti poppers from Happiness is Homemade.

Turn Mason jars into a patriotic centerpiece with some paint. Start by painting the jars white. You can alternatively use primer for this step. Then, use washi tape to paint the flag, stars, and any other red, white, and blue design. Let it dry, repaint if needed, and your jars are ready for some flowers!

Here’s a good example of patriotic Mason jar vases from Two Savvy Cents.

Delight the family with easy firework confetti. Staple one end of a paper straw, then fill it with confetti. You can use bits of gift wrapping paper, tissue paper balls, and more. Glue this end closed, then stick a piece of red and blue garland on to resemble a firework stick.

Here’s a good example of paper straw firework confetti from Pumpkin And A Princess.

Get your paper cups looking festive too! If you can’t get store-bought ones, paint the outside of plain cups with red, white, and blue paint. Add personalized touches to make each one stand out. Use these for beverages or turn them upside down to use as sparkler holders.

Here’s a good example of festive Fourth of July cups from Kix Cereal.

These red, white, and blue jello shots are the perfect boozy addition to any Fourth of July party. Switch out the vodka for a tropical coconut rum and add blue jello. Pour the mixture into cups and let it set. Then, add your white layer — instant coconut pudding with rum will work well. Set this, then add the final raspberry jello-with-coconut-rum layer.

Here’s a good example of red, white, and blue jello shots from Entertaining Diva.

Wondering how to jazz up your drinks for this holiday? This craft idea is creative and it’s extremely simple too! Just glue small American flags to your drink picks, skewers, or straws, and that’s it! Your drink decorations are ready to go.

Here’s a good example of American Flag drink stirrers from Fab Mood.

Lay seven paint sticks side by side, drilling two holes on the topmost one. Paint it in the colors of the flag and wait for it to dry before painting the stars. Stick three eight-inch paint sticks vertically at the back of the painted sticks, and use twine or rope to hang this up.

Here’s a good example of a paint stick American flag from Glue Dots.

Put a springform pan over a parchment-lined baking sheet, then layer softened raspberry, vanilla, and blueberry ice cream. You can substitute the colored parts with a moist vanilla sponge in red and blue. Freeze the cake, then remove the outside of the pan. Frost the outside with whipped cream, then freeze again until you are ready to serve.

Here’s a good example of a red, white, and blue ice-cream cake from Sugar Geek Show.

Use larger empty eggshells that only have a small hole at the top. Color these in a mix of boiling water, food coloring, and vinegar. Cut strips of tissue paper as confetti and put these inside the eggs. Glue tissue paper over the holes, then hand these to the family to be smashed.

Here’s a good example of Fourth of July confetti eggs from Happiness is Homemade.

Don’t forget that all-important bit of self-love even as you celebrate Independence Day! Try out this super easy nail manicure idea. Put nail tape over solid red paint, then paint it all white to get the stripes. Paint a couple of nails completely blue, and add some glitter stars to finish the look.

Here’s a good example of a DIY patriotic manicure from Club Crafted.

Turn your old burlap pillow cover into a cute patriotic pillow in a few simple steps. Insert a piece of cardboard to stop the paint from bleeding onto the other side, then glue star stickers, before spray painting the upper part blue. Paint red stripes at the bottom, unglue the stickers, and your flag-designed pillow is ready to use!

Here’s a good example of an American flag burlap pillow from Old Salt Farm.

Transform your plain white canvas sneakers into fun and festive footwear. Use paint markers to stencil on stars or stripes. Fill in empty spaces with red and blue colored markers, then give everything a coat of spray sealer for extra protection. And presto, your fancy star-spangled shoes are ready for the Fourth of July!

Here’s a good example of star-spangled shoes from Happiness is Homemade.

We’ve got just the Independence Day craft for gardening lovers, too! Paint pots white, slap on tape to protect this layer, then paint over it with red for perfect (ish) red and white stripes. Attach star stickers to the rim, paint this part blue, then remove the stickers. Seal it with sealer, and get ready to plant some flowers.

Here’s a good example of a patriotic flower pot from Lolly Jane.

Another one for the gardening enthusiasts, this one involves turning an old crate or wooden planter into a Fourth of July planter. Simply paint the flag on the front-facing side. Leave the other sides as they are, apply a little glaze, or paint them all white. Add some cheerful flowers in red, white, or blue, and it’s ready!

Here’s a good example of a flag planter from The Scrap Shoppe Blog.

Perfect for seniors at all dexterity levels, all you really need is white paper, a sponge, red and blue paint, and a plastic cover to lay down to prevent a mess. Use different parts of a sponge — or two sponges — to make red stripes and the blue Union. Let it dry, then put a white handprint on the blue section.

Here’s a good example of a sponge-painted American flag craft from Pinterest.

Cut out or print a crown shape on cardstock. Then allow the little ones to customize it as they see fit. They can add sparkly stars, pom poms, ribbons, felt hearts, and more. Finally, measure a strip of cardstock to your grandkid’s head, and glue it to the back of this crown, securing the two ends with a stapler.

Here’s a good example of a paper plate crown from Hands On As We Grow.

Grab a bigger egg carton, flip it over, and paint it the colors of the flag. Get the red-stripe effect by painting red and white strips onto each dome. Stick cut-out stars to the blue, and your egg carton flag craft is done!

Here’s a good example of an egg carton American flag from Nellie’s Free Range.

Tape star stencils onto plain tablecloths, dip foam pouncers or foam brushes into red, white, and blue multi-purpose craft paint, and apply it over the stencil. Remove the stencil, then repeat. Let it dry, then lay it out wherever you like, and enjoy!

Here’s a good example of a starry picnic blanket from Design Improvised.

Combine Independence Day decor with summer crafts with this fun craft. Tie-dye plain white towels in shades of the flag, using easy tie-dye kits and tutorials found online. Use someone’s help to hand wash each one before adding them to the washer. Let them dry and they are ready to use!

Here’s a good example of a patriotic tie-dye towel from Pinterest.

Another simple craft, this one only requires a chalkboard and chalk. Decide what you want to write or draw, then grab the chalk and get busy. It’s an easy, affordable, and creative way to welcome guests to your Fourth of July celebration. 

Here’s a good example of a DIY chalkboard craft from Pinterest.

This easy no-bake dessert is a fun activity for the family, and a refreshing treat for the holiday too. Cube any store-bought pound cake, then help the kids layer it with blueberries and blackberries. Add whipped cream and, finally, decorate with strawberries. Make another layer if you like, and your dessert centerpiece is ready to serve!

Here’s a good example of a red, white, and blue trifle from The Pioneer Woman.

Add a patriotic touch to your party straws with star-shaped cutouts. Or you can spell out ‘USA’ with glitter cardstock and even glue an accordion folded piece of paper for a festive look. Then, just pop them into your glasses of choice and sip away!

Here’s a good example of patriotic party straws from Pinterest.

Mix red, white, and blue tempera paint with water in plastic cups. Add a cup of Plaster of Paris to each paint and stir. Pour these into star-shaped silicone molds to dry, then use them to make vibrant designs on cement and sidewalks. And, since they’re made with tempera paint, the designs wash away easily!

Here’s a good example of sidewalk chalk from Artsy Fartsy Mama.

How can you have a Fourth of July list without including some incredible DIY artwork? And this one is not at all complicated, either. Set up a canvas (or white paper over a wooden frame) and string black string horizontally along it. Using wooden clothespins, clip on blue and red stars, and voila, you’re done!

Here’s a good example of Fourth of July clothesline art from Artsy Fartsy Mama.

Inviting guests over? Here’s a quick and easy treat bag that the whole family can make in minutes. Fill striped festive treat bags with cutlery. Cut cardstock stars and punch two holes, twining a colorful string through these in a bow. Place them on plates and they’re ready for your guests to use.

Here’s a good example of a Fourth of July treat bag from Skip To My Lou.

Bake a vanilla cake of your choice — or any flavor you want — then top it with a layer of whipped cream. Now comes the best part. Get everyone involved in creating the American flag on the cake, using cut strawberries and whole blueberries. Make sure more fruit gets on the cake than in their mouths though!

Here’s a good example of a flag cake from Dinner Then Dessert.

Celebrate the summer and the birth of the nation with a refreshing and delicious fruit pizza. Start by making a giant-sized sugar cookie. Frost it with marshmallow creme and cream cheese. To finish, top this masterpiece with loads and loads of fruit in different shapes and colors. 

Here’s a good example of a patriotic summer-y fruit pizza from The Pioneer Woman.

Invite guests over with a charming surprise bucket. Let everyone put their stamp on the buckets by adding patriotic stickers. Then, pick one item of each person’s choice to give — this can be DIY pinwheels, a flag, and even a slice of fruit pizza. Don’t forget to add a note inviting the recipient over to your Fourth of July party!

Here’s a good example of a Fourth of July surprise bucket from Design Improvised.

Wash and clean blue wine bottles, then hot glue red, then white, then red woolen thread in stripes at the bottom. Make the floating stars by cutting and gluing star shapes together, then inserting jem wire into the bottom of each star. Insert these into the bottles and place them decoratively around the house.

Here’s a good example of a festive blue wine bottle centerpiece from Fave Crafts.

Print paper flowers on cardstock and cut them out. Curl petals on themselves, then glue them to a cardstock circle. Make multiple red, white, and blue flowers, with the most for white. Stick these on plain white cardstock in the shape of the flag and your paper flower flag is ready to be displayed.

Here’s a good example of a paper flower American flag from The Craft Patch Blog.

Print the American flag on white paper and assign a number to each state. To get more learning in, you can even assign numbers according to their statehood order. Cut the map along these lines, mix them up, and challenge kids to solve the puzzle.

Here’s a good example of an American map number puzzle printable from Pinterest.

Print popsicles in theme colors — think red, white, blue, in stripes, stars, or solids — onto cardstock. Cut these out and punch little holes at the top of each popsicle. All that’s left to do is string up these cheerful and festive decorations in time for the holidays.

Here’s a good example of a patriotic popsicle printable garland from Making Life Blissful.

Surprise friends who love to sew with a printable stitching card for the holidays! Print Independence Day themes on stiff cardstock. Poke sewing holes at appropriate points and wrap your thoughtful gift in clear wrapping paper. You can also add some colorful thread and a needle for a complete stitching card kit.

Here’s a good example of Fourth of July printable stitching cards from Handmade Charlotte.

This one is as easy as it gets. Using any readily available template, design a fun, Independence Day-themed “I Spy” game for the kids. Print this on stiff cardstock, then laminate it to make it last longer. Print out a few of these sheets, and your Fourth of July kiddie party game is set!

Here’s a good example of a patriotic “I Spy” game printable from Making Life Blissful.

Cookies, cakes, trifles, burgers, or mini tarts — top any treat you like with this easy DIY printable idea. Print your choice of patriotic-themed designs on cardstock in smaller sizes, cut these out, then attach them to skewers, toothpicks, or straws and they’re ready to go.

Here’s a good example of treat topper printables from Hoosier Homemade.

Looking for a unique party favor? Try these printable balloon wands! Just print patriotic sayings on cardstock, attach them to balloons with sticks, and add cute tassels. Get creative with star-shaped cardstock and glitter for an added touch. Your guests will love them!

Here’s a good example of a printable Fourth of July balloon wand from Love The Day.

Transform your front yard into a Fourth of July masterpiece. Cut a star shape from cardboard using star templates. Keep them aside and use the stencil border to paint blue squares in the lawn, then fill them in. After drying, use the stencil to paint white stars on the blue. Repeat for a festive and patriotic lawn.

Here’s a good example of printable lawn decorations from Entertaining Diva.

Sneak in some learning through this fun Independence Day-themed activity. Print word scrambles for words commonly used during this holiday on sheets of paper. Leave them as is if they are for one-time use only, but laminate them if you’d like to reuse these year after year.

Here’s a good example of a Fourth of July word scramble from Puzzles To Print.

Here’s a fun printable craft for the little kids. Print a stock template of a U.S. flag coloring page onto white paper. Hand these to kids, along with color pencils or crayons. Let the littlest ones use any color they want, and guide the slightly older ones to follow the colors of the flag. 

Here’s a good example of an American flag coloring printable from Super Coloring.

You can never go wrong with a balloon garland, and this red, white, and blue one lends the perfect patriotic vibe to your festivities. You’ll need all the help you can get too, to blow up all the balloons you’ll need to create it. Glue white star stickers for added effect, then simply arrange them in your desired shape.

Here’s a good example of a patriotic balloon garland from Pinterest.

Get everyone into the kitchen to decorate cookies. Stock up on icing, sprinkles, and of course, cookies, and let everyone’s creative juices flow. They can create solid designs, fireworks, flags, stripes, and more. All you have to do then is eat them!

Here’s a good example of a cookie decorating craft from A Dash Of Megnut.

Hand out red, white, and blue balloons to your helpers, and task them with blowing these up to the same size. Once you have enough, stick these on the wall as your own DIY balloon flag. If you want this to last longer, we recommend using helium balloons and a helium tank.

Here’s a good example of a balloon flag from Ella Claire & Co.

You won’t believe how easy this craft is. Simply find red, white, and blue clothespins and a metal ring. Task your friends with clipping them in any order you like, alternating the closed ends so they face both sides. Glue some cardboard stars on the blue clothespins and hang it up once it’s dry.

Here’s a good example of a clothespin wreath from The Krazy Coupon Lady.

Put the red-, white-, and blue-dyed rice you made for the sensory bin to good use. This time, for candle holders. Layer the rice in red, white, then blue in a clear candle holder, and insert a battery-operated tealight. Task friends and family to help you make as many of these as you need to illuminate your home beautifully.

Here’s a good example of patriotic rice candles from Entertaining Diva.

For a more refined and elegant touch to your party decor, try these simple and inexpensive candle crafts. Together with your group, mix sand with food coloring to make red and blue sand. Add each to a different wine glass, add a strand of faux pearls, then add a small glass holder with a blue candle.

Here’s a good example of pearls and colored sand candles from Entertaining Diva.

Guide those helping hands to create this wonderful and simple paper bunting banner with you. Sit down together with printed flags, or patriotic-themed craft paper, accordion fold them, then glue two papers’ ends together to make a larger bunting. Staple this for added security. Create more, then hang them all together over the mantlepiece.

Here’s a good example of a patriotic paper bunting garland from Designs By Miss Mandee.

Buy some red, white, and blue flameless tea lights and insert them in terrarium glass globes. We recommend clear ones as these show off the candles the best. Hang the terrariums using thread, fishing lines, or festive ribbons from tree branches if you’re outdoors, or from the chandelier if you’re indoors.

Here’s a good example of red, white, and blue terrarium candles from Entertaining Diva.

What better way to show the combination of Fourth of July and summer days than with a lovely floral centerpiece? Arrange flowers in a vase and stick a flag for added flourish. If you can’t find blue flowers, substitute this with blue vases. You can even insert decorative shreds into the vases for an added pop of color.

Here’s a good example of a Fourth of July floral centerpiece from The Color Venturer.

Use watercolors to decorate coffee filters in patriotic shades. Let them dry, then cut strips around the sides. Thread a pipe cleaner through the circle, turn the entire thing upside down, then twist the pipe cleaner to secure it. Fluff the “petals” and stick a bunch of these flowers in a vase for beautiful home decor.

Here’s a good example of coffee filter flowers from Crafts By Amanda.

Let the red, white, and blue shine through your pretty suncatchers. There are multiple ways you can make these — melt beads to form a beaded suncatcher, Mod Podge tissue paper on contact paper, or even paint coffee filters red, white, and blue. Hang them on your window to enjoy their beauty.

Here’s a good example of patriotic suncatchers from Beneath My Heart.

Help the kids cut plastic bottles into fun shapes. Using craft paint in theme-appropriate colors, create patterns like stars, stripes, polka dots, and solid colors. Tie string or ribbons to the mouth or bottom to hold these up. You can add extra flair by hot gluing some pom poms, fringes, or streamers to the “lanterns.”

Here’s a good example of a recyclable plastic bottle lantern from Handmade Charlotte.

Making a wreath is super easy, and mostly requires things you’d already have around the house. To make it more interesting, challenge the kids to come up with a fun wreath all on their own. Here are some fun ideas — a wreath made of glittering red, white, and blue clothespins, a bandanna-wrapped wreath, or a painted paper plate wreath.

Here’s a good example of a DIY patriotic wreath from Close To My Heart.

Repurpose those empty egg cartons to create a fun candy station that is sure to be a big hit with everyone. Cut up batches of egg cartons to make rows. Add white, red, and blue candy to make a delicious flag and your candy bar is now open for customers!

Here’s a good example of a red, white, and blue candy station from Nellie’s Free Range.

Create an easy DIY pallet sign for Independence Day using old wood boards or repurposed cutting boards. Paint the boards in patriotic colors, stick on paper signs with special sayings, or glue the American flag on. Glue twine or screw eye hooks for hanging.

Here’s a good example of a patriotic pallet sign from Lolly Jane.

Wrap a garland around your kid’s head to measure the right size. Twist the ends of the garland in this size, while wrapping the rest of the garland to make a thick crown. Tie a ribbon and use scissors to curl the edges. Put it on, and watch as they enjoy their patriotic crown!

Here’s a good example of a patriotic star garland crown from Pinterest.

Take three strips of patriotic-themed paper and fold them all in accordions. Glue them together. Measure a piece of cardstock and clip this to the fan to join the two ends. Bonus tip: Not gluing the cardstock means you can close and open the fan easily, and even reuse it for Memorial Day. 

Here’s a good example of a patriotic paper fan from First Day Of Home.

Fill silicone molds halfway with white melted soap and let this harden. Cut out star shapes from each one and pour colored white soap into the holes. Spray with rubbing alcohol and let this harden too. Finally, add a melted red colored layer of soap to achieve that stripey effect. 

Here’s a good example of Fourth of July soap from Your Beauty Blog.

If you’ve got a candy floss maker at home, these little faux ice-cream treats should become your go-to party favor! Make cotton candy in patriotic colors. Put these in cones decorated with white, blue, and red icing. Wrap in clear cellophane and tie with a bit of star garland. And then just hand these out on Independence Day!

Here’s a good example of patriotic cotton candy ice-cream treats from Tikkido.

All you need for this craft are clear glass candy dishes. Then, decorate them any way you want, with acrylic paint, patriotic-themed ribbons, or even tissue decoupage. For extra sparkle, you can even coat everything in Sparkle Mod Podge.

Here’s a good example of a patriotic candy dish from Hoosier Homemade.

The perfect gift for kids, this DIY pony bead necklace is perfect for the occasion. String blue pony beads onto red-colored thread, spacing them out with red or striped pieces of paper straws. Tie both ends of the thread together when you’re done to complete this fabulous Fourth of July present.

Here’s a good example of a patriotic necklace from I Heart Crafty Things.

Gift friends and family these simple patriotic candy jars that are easy and perfect for Independence Day. Just load up clear glass candy jars with red, white, and blue gumballs — or any theme-colored sweet treat they prefer — and stick a mini flag in for extra measure. 

Here’s a good example of a patriotic no-mess candy jar from Two Sisters.

These make the perfect gift, especially if you’re traveling during the holidays. Wrap tiny items — ribbons, hair ties, bouncy balls — with paper streamers into a round shape, adding more items as you go. Group gifts for one person in each ball, secure with a glue dot, and wrap one more layer of streamers. Decorate with star stickers for added flair.

Here’s a good example of paper streamer surprise balls from Studio DIY.

Gift your harvest to your pals in these adorable bandana-wrapped fruit baskets. First, you need fruits perfect for the Fourth of July. Place them in little wooden or cloth baskets ready for gifting. Then, choose a patriotic palette of bandanas and wrap your baskets up in them, inserting a flower or two for that summery feel.

Here’s a good example of patriotic bandana-wrapped berry baskets from The House That Lars Built.

Perfect for both gifting and selling, these DIY cakesicles can be made with any cake recipe. Blend the cake into a dough once cool. Pour melted white chocolate into popsicle molds and stick a popsicle stick on top. Once set, add the cake dough on top, then add more white chocolate. Decorate with red, white, and blue icing.

Here’s a good example of Fourth of July cakesicles from Entertaining Diva.

Delight guests or customers with these red, blue, and white Rice Krispie treats. Melt marshmallows in powdered sugar and butter, and combine them with Rice Krispies. Spread the mix and let it set, then cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter. Design each with red and blue melted candy melts, add white stars or sprinkles, and your treats are ready!

Here’s a good example of red, white, and blue Krispie treats from Entertaining Diva.