by Jayne Clarkson

Created on: July 03, 2009   Last Updated: November 19, 2009

The fourth of July is a fun holiday for all of the family . Many children love to be involved in arts and crafts, as such projects allow their imaginations to run riot. Making beautiful,colourful decorations with the children helps to keep them occupied and also allows them to feel part of the July 4th celebrations.

There are many cheap and cheerful examples of hanging ornaments, which can be made easily by children of any age. Some great examples include Chain links , Chinese lanterns and People chains .You just need a variety of sheets of coloured paper, glue and scissors.In order to protect your tables or furnishings, it is probably wise to cover in plastic or oilcloth as the last thing that you will want to do, is have to clean your house when you are preparing for the fourth of July festivities.

1.Chain links are extremely easy to make and can be made by the youngest of children. They look very effective hung around a living room and can be made from paper of any colour. To begin with, take a bundle of brightly coloured sheets of A4 sized paper and cut into strips of one inch thick and four inches long.Once you have cut the strips , choose alternate colours and make into links . Thread the links together and make into a chain of whatever length you wish.

2.Chinese lanterns are both incredibly pretty and easy to make. As above,use A4 sized paper in a variety of different colours.Take a sheet and fold in half.Then with a small pair of scissors, cut inwards from the folded side to within an inch of the edge of the paper. Repeat this stage three or four times , leaving a 3 centimetre gap between each cut. Then, unfold the paper and glue the edges together portrait side up.If a piece of paper is facing vertically,this is known as portrait side up,if the paper is facing horizontally , it is known as landscape side up. Finally, you just need to cut a strip , the same dimensions as the strips you cut for the chain links. Glue the strip in a loop at the top of your lantern and your handle is finished. Make three or four lanterns and then thread together on ribbon or string and hang around the room you wish to decorate.

3.Finally, people chains are an old favourite. Children love to make them and they are very easy and quick to make . They look great pinned to the wall or even on a pin board or fridge.Start off by again, choosing a number of sheets of coloured paper and make a number of concertina folds , as you would when making a fan. Then take a pair of scissors and cut into the folds of paper, in the shape of either a boy or girl. Then unfold the sheet and you will have a people chain! You can create one or more than one , they look great either in isolation or in clusters of contrasting colours.

Have a great fourth of July celebration and enjoy decorating with your kids.

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