Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash this Fourth of July or just looking to keep the kiddos busy, these patriotic crafts are easy to make and full of festive fun. From bubble wands to flag-inspired fruit snacks, there’s something for every mini maker.

PATRIOTIC BUBBLE WANDS
Materials

  • Pipe cleaners (red, white, and blue)
  • Pony beads or faceted beads (red, white, and blue)
  • Star-shaped cookie cutter (optional, for shaping)
  • Scissors (optional)

Directions

  1. Take a pipe cleaner (red, white, or blue) and shape it into a star. If you have a star-shaped cookie cutter, wrap the pipe cleaner around it to help form a clean, consistent shape.
  2. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner together to secure the shape and leave a “tail” to serve as the wand handle.
  3. Use a second pipe cleaner as the handle (or continue with the tail from the star), and thread on red, white, and blue beads in a fun pattern.
  4. Twist the end of the pipe cleaner to keep the beads from sliding off.
  5. If you used a second pipe cleaner for the handle, twist it securely onto the bottom of the star shape. Make sure all ends are tucked in or twisted tightly to avoid any poking edges.
  6. Dip your star-shaped wand into a bubble solution. Then, blow gently through the star or wave it through the air to create fun, festive bubbles.

RED, WHITE & BLUE FRUIT SKEWERS

Ingredients

  • Watermelon
  • Blueberries
  • Bamboo skewers
  • Small star-shaped cookie cutter

Directions

  1. Slice watermelon into ½-inch thick slices. Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to punch out star shapes from the slices. Set aside the stars and snack on the scraps!
  2. Rinse your blueberries thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  3. Take a bamboo skewer and carefully thread 4–6 blueberries onto it.
  4. Top each skewer with one watermelon star, gently pressing it onto the pointy end of the skewer.
  5. Repeat until you have your desired number of skewers.
  6. Arrange your finished skewers on a platter or festive plate. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

EASY SIDEWALK CHALK

Materials

  • Plaster of Paris (1–2 lbs)
  • Tempera paint (red, white, and blue)
  • Water
  • Star silicone mold
  • Plastic cups (one per color)
  • Jumbo craft sticks (for stirring)
  • Paper towels or napkins

Directions

  1. Use a separate plastic cup for each color. Pour water into each cup and add your red, white, or blue tempera paint. Stir well with a craft stick until fully mixed.
  2. Slowly stir 1 cup of Plaster of Paris into each paint mixture. Mix well, scraping the sides and bottom. The texture should be like wet cement.
  3. Carefully pour each mixture into a silicone mold. Fill halfway, then insert a craft stick and gently move it around to level and remove bubbles. Fill the rest of the way and repeat the stick swirl.
  4. If water pools on top, dab a paper towel into the water to soak it up—no splashing or shaking needed!
  5. Let the chalk sit in the mold for at least 5–12 hours. Gently remove and place on paper towels to fully dry for 1–3 days, depending on humidity.

This article was originally published in July 2025.