Fun Patriotic Projects
Are you looking for some fun activities to do this 4th of July? There is no doubt, this year, things will be looking a little different for our country as we celebrate Independence Day. Due to COVID-19, fireworks shows, parades, and parties have been canceled, beaches have been closed, and people are staying home. While it is sad that we won’t be able to celebrate our great nation’s independence in the same ways we usually do, it is important to remember that this is to keep the public safe.
But that doesn’t mean that we can’t have fun on this 4th of July! We will all have to come up with different ways of celebrating. As for all holidays, I love to craft. I especially love making crafts with my students. It is a fun way to learn and celebrate the holidays throughout the year.
I have put together two fun patriotic projects for The 4th of July that can be done by adults or you can do them with your children!
The good thing is, both of these projects use things that you will most likely already have lying around the house and they don’t take too long.
While there is so much going on in the world, it is still important to take time and celebrate our country’s independence. We may be at home, but there are still plenty of fun activities that can be done together as a family.
Patriotic Popsicle Stick Stars
The first project uses popsicle sticks, glue, and paint. It’s simple and super fun! I have made these many times with my students during summer school to celebrate the 4th of July and every year they are a big hit!
What you will need:
- Popsicle sticks/craft sticks
- Tacky glue
- Red, white, and blue paint
- Paintbrush
- Paper towels
- Plate (to use as a paint palette)
- Thick string or twine (optional)
Step 1:
First, you will need to glue together your popsicle sticks to make the star. I start by making a triangle and then glue the pieces down one by one. You may have to play around with it at first before you glue. I promise, it looks tricky, but once you see how it goes together, you will see how simple it really is!
Step 2:
Let your star dry completely before moving on.
Step 3:
Paint your star. Here, I did simple stripes. But you can paint it however you want. The key is to have fun!
Step 4: (OPTIONAL)
If you want to hang your star/s, you can tie a thicker string of twine on the top. In the classroom, I usually hang them on the door and bulletin board. Once they are up, our classroom looks patriotic and ready for the 4th of July!
Patriotic Watercolor Bookmark
What you will need:
- Watercolor paper
- Watercolor paint (red and blue)
- paintbrush (I used a size 6 round)
- Paper towels
- Cup of water
- Black permanent marker/pen
- String or twine
- Red or blue beads
- Tacky glue
- scissors
- (OPTIONAL) Laminator/laminator sheets
Step 1:
Cut your watercolor paper to the size you would like for your bookmark. There isn’t any set size, but I measured a standard bookmark I had and cut mine to match that. (roughly 7” L x 2 ¼” W)
Step 2:
Use your black permanent marker/pen to draw the fireworks. You can draw them anywhere you want. You can add stars, stripes, or anything else you want on the bookmark to make it uniquely yours. ( I encourage you to experiment and try out new designs!) Remember, don’t take it too seriously, these projects are meant to be enjoyable!
Step 3:
Next comes the watercolor. There isn’t a right or wrong way to paint the bookmark. I made an ombré wash on mine, but you can do anything that appeals to you!
Step 4:
Let your bookmark dry completely
(OPTIONAL – You can always laminate your bookmark so it lasts longer)
Step 5:
Hole-punch your bookmark at the top.
Step 6:
Fold the string in half so the ends are even. Take both ends of your string and put it through the hole. Then pull them up and weave them back through the loop you created. Pull up to tighten.
Step 7:
Place one or two beads on each end of the string and tie a knot to hold them in place. To make sure the knots stay tied, you can spread some tacky glue over them using your fingers. Note – the glue will dry clear, so don’t worry!
Your bookmark is now complete and ready to be used in your next summer read!
Fun Patriotic Projects
And there you have it! Two simple, yet fun patriotic projects you can do together as a family. Even though this summer looks different, I hope you find fun and unique ways to celebrate the 4th of July and enjoy the warm weather!
I find crafting to be one of the best activities to do together as a family or with my students. It is relaxing and fun to share with others. I would love to see how your patriotic stars and bookmarks come out! Please share in the comments below or you can tag your pictures on Instagram (#sweetandsunnyliving)!
For more craft ideas, check out these posts!
Happy 4th of July!
