by Jennifer Claerr

Created on: June 19, 2009

There are many simple arts and crafts projects that kids can do to keep themselves busy on the Fourth of July. These Independence Day arts and crafts projects are inexpensive, and use readily available crafting materials. There are projects here that are easy enough for preschoolers to complete, but also challenging enough to hold an older child's interest.

Fourth of July Craft Project for Kids: Fireworks Art

Get some dark colored construction paper. Have the kids draw Fourth of July fireworks designs on it in glue. Then sprinkle different colors of glitter on the glue and shake off the excess into a paper plate. Allow the Fourth of July fireworks art to dry completely before displaying it.

Fourth of July Craft Project for Kids: Patriotic Wreaths

Get some red, white and blue construction paper. Either have the kids trace their hands on the paper or draw five-pointed stars on it. Cut out the shapes. Glue them together at the ends, staggering the different colors until you have a patriotic wreath design.

Fourth of July Craft Project for Kids: Paper Bag Hat

Get some medium-sized brown paper bags. Fold the end of the bag downward to create a cuff. Have the kids attach some red, white and blue crepe paper, ribbons and foil streamers to the top. Add any other decorations you like such as chenille stems, glue and glitter or foil stars. Have the kids wear their hats proudly to proclaim their patriotism on Independence Day.

Fourth of July Craft Project for Kids: Paper Towel Roll Rockets

Cut a piece of white paper to the length of the paper towel roll. Have the kids draw patriotic, Fourth of July designs on the paper. Also provide stars made of red and blue construction paper. When the child has finished his design, tape or glue the paper onto the roll.

Create a circle that's about 3 inches in diameter from red or blue colored construction paper. Cut a slit in the construction paper circle to the center. Roll this paper into a cone and attach it to the top of the rocket with tape. Attach ribbons or sparkly foil streamers to the end of the Fourth of July rocket.

Fourth of July Craft Project for Kids: Fans

Cut some white card stock into 10 inch squares. Have the kids draw patriotic Fourth of July designs such as stars and stripes on the paper with crayon or marker. Attach one piece of card stock to each side of a wooden fan handle with glue. Also make sure that the fan pieces are glued to one another. Use the fans to keep cool on the Fourth of July.

Fourth of July Craft Project for Kids: Miniature American Flags

Get some white construction paper and some wooden dowels. Cut the paper down so that it forms a strip that is the same height and twice as long as the American flag you'd like to make. Attach the construction paper to itself around the dowel with craft glue. Have the kids either paste on construction paper stars and stripes or draw them one.

These craft tips will provide you with plenty of patriotic crafts for the Fourth of July. Be sure to check out my other articles on Independence Day activities.

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