4th July Craft Ideas - Independence Day Activities for Kids

On July 4th, 1776, the United States gained its independence from Great Britain and since then, the day is considered as a federal holiday, commemorating the acceptance of the Declaration of Independence. The day is celebrated with fireworks, carnivals, concerts, parades, political speeches, picnics and many other public and private events. As the day comes near, everyone and especially the kids, get excited and start preparing and decorate their homes with flags, stars, door hangers, etc.

Star Studded Door Hanger
Things Required:

• Star-shaped foam stamp
• Red and blue glitter glue
• 2 miniature paper plates
• Red acrylic paint
• Patriotic star garland
• White yarn
• Gold alphabet stickers
• White craft glue
• Scissors

Method
Cut a piece of yarn to get a piece about 14 inches in length and divide a patriotic garland into six 16 inches pieces. Glue the paper plates together, so that they face each other. When the glue on the plates is still wet, put the yarn onto the top, in between the plates. Insert nearly one inch of each end between the plates. Similarly, put the garlands and secure them between the bottom of the paper plates; allow them to dry completely. Color the star-shaped foam stamp with a thin layer of red paint. Carefully press at the center of the plate and lift to remove. With the help of a paint brush, fill in the spots on the star that were not filled in by the stamp. Squeeze the red glitter glue and spread over the entire star using a paintbrush. With the white glitter glue, make a border around the star. Similarly, with the blue glitter glue, draw a margin around the plates edge and let it dry. Stick the alphabet stickers on the top of the plate, spelling out 'HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY'. For making curls, wrap the garland around your fingers in a corkscrew manner, stretch them out and hang on your door.

Uncle Sam Hat Treat Holders
Things Required:

• Silver chenille stem
• Styrofoam cup
• White craft glue
• Red and blue felt
• Black marker
• Red paint
• Paintbrush
• Scissors

Method
Place a cup upside down on the top of the red felt and trace with a marker. Cut around the marked circle leaving a ¾ inch border around it. Close the circle and cut a slit in the center so that the scissors can get in. Cut out the inner circle leaving nearly ¼ inch around the marked line and keep the felt circle aside. Paint the strips red, all around the cup and then let it dry. Cut a strip of blue felt nearly 1.5 inches wide and long enough to wrap around the brim of the cup. Wrap the strip around the cup. Place the red felt circle onto the work surface such that the black marked line should be facing up. Draw the lip of the cup with the white glue and press down onto the black trace line. Now turn the cup over and place on the work surface. Use the silver chenille to give star shapes and trim if needed. When completely dry, fill will sweets and treats.

Musical Stars and Stripes
Things Required:

• 12-inch wooden skewer with the sharp tips cut off
• 13 bells (ours were ¾ inch in size)
• Ruler
• Ribbon or wire
• 30 small paper clips (red, white, and blue)
• Small paintbrush or star stamp
• Small hole punch
• White paint
• Scissors

Method
Cut a 4½ by 4 inch rectangle from a blue craft foam. On one of the long sides of the rectangle, punch four equally spaced holes and seven on the other side. Using scissors with decorative blades, cut seven red craft foam strips; three ½ by 8 inches and four ½ by 3½ inches. Similarly cut six white craft foam strips; three ½ by 8 inches and three ½ by 3½ inches. Punch holes at both the ends of the strips and thread paper clips through the holes. At the bottom of the blue square, attach the seven short strips and thread four paper clips by the holes in the top. Slide all the pieces onto the wooden skewer to shape a flag and attach a piece of ribbon or wire to the ends of the skewer. Finally, attach a bell to the clip on each strip.

Kids can also try making patriotic pinwheels, wind socks, printables and plant pots on the 4th of July keeping in mind the three most prominent colors associated with the day; red, white and blue. These craft ideas are exciting, fun to do and also add to the spirit of patriotism and honor for the country.