57 Festive, Easy 4th of July Crafts for 2024

Looking for some great 4th of July crafts to do this summer? Independence Day offers a great chance to enjoy summer while celebrating the history of the nation. There’s no better way to ring in the summer holiday than using your creativity and ingenuity to create fun 4th of July arts and crafts for adults and kids of all ages. 

When should I start decorating for 4th of July?  How do you throw a fun 4th of July party? We’ve rounded up a few simple and beginner-friendly ideas that are great for the 4th, including festive decor, party favors and fun and educational activities for kids.

There are also some cool ideas for making 4th of July crafts that you can sell, either at outdoor craft markets or online. All will have you celebrating this important summer holiday in style. 

Jump to Section 

• Best 4th of July Crafts for Adults
• Best 4th of July Crafts to Sell
• Fun 4th of July Crafts for Kids
• Best 4th of July Crafts for School

Best 4th of July Crafts for Adults

1. Paint and Sip

Paint and sips give participants a chance to build skills as an artist while socializing and enjoying cocktails. Each summer, many cities offer paint and sips with patriotic or summer painting ideas that draw subject matter from classic Americana red, white and blue imagery.

You can find paint and sip near you, including paint and sip in Tucson, paint and sip in Boston, and paint and sip in Houston.

2. Fabric Scrap Flags

A great 4th of July craft that has a number of uses is making flags from red, white or blue fabric scraps. Just cut your fabric pieces into long rectangles and loop around wooden dowels.

Add a strip of hot glue to secure them around the stick. For extra flair, give the fabric a zig zag edge or cut them into triangles. Use them as part of your picnic or barbecue decor individually or make them into a bouquet. 

3. Red, White and Blue Basket

You can transform any ordinary basket into a lovely 4th of July craft and piece of decor just by adding some acrylic paint in patriotic colors.  For a round basket, paint vertical columns of color or follow the weave of the basket with each color in strips.

You can also add other seasonal imagery to baskets like stars, hearts and fireworks with stencils or by hand. Use it as a centerpiece or bread basket on your Independence Day table. 

4. Fabric Rosettes

Gather a circular piece of fabric at the center with some thread for a fun and multi-functional  4th of July craft. Use larger pieces for wall décor, while smaller pieces are perfect for adding to wood dowels or toothpicks for decorating summer baked goods, bundled together in a vase or attached to a fun summer headband or hair clip with hot glue.

5. Red, White and Blue Wreath

You can make a stylish 4th of July wreath by starting with a simple wire or foam wreath form available from places like Dollar Tree and Michaels. Use it as a base for red, white and blue flowers or greenery.

You can also use flag-colored tinsel strands, scraps of fabric, tissue paper or even red, white and blue straws radiating from the center. Place it on your door or above your summertime mantel as the perfect 4th of July craft. 

6. Straw Stars

What makes a good 4th of July party? Excellent cocktails, of course! An easy way to jazz up your summertime beverages is to start with the straws.

Cut paper stars from sturdy cardstock and use a hole puncher to create two punches, which you can thread the straw through. Use traditional 4th of July crafty colors or opt for metallic gold, silver or glitter cardstock. 

7. Bandana String Light Shades

Bandanas are known for their gorgeous patterns and distinctive red, white and blue color scheme.  Cut some plastic cups in half and cover the bottom half in the fabric using Mod Podge.

Poke a hole in the bottom of the cup that allows you to slip it over the bulb on a string of lights.  The light will filter through the shades and cast a cozy glow over your outdoor gathering. 

8. Star Game Board 

A great 4th of July craft if you come across an old Chinese checkers pegboard in your home or at a garage sale is to turn it into a fun piece of farmhouse-style art. Paint the wood piece red, white, navy or pale blue and it instantly becomes a stylish piece of wall decor. 

9. Bandana Bunting

Another fun 4th of July craft that uses bandana fabric creates adorable fabric bunting perfect for decorating indoors or out.  Cut your bandanas into squares then fold them over a length of twine or ribbon to make fabric triangles. Hang it from the trees at your holiday gathering or over a festive table.

10. Patriotic Planter

Liven up a simple inexpensive terra cotta pot by painting it in red, white and blue. For flower pot painting, use horizontal stripes and stars for a flag motif or paint the whole thing navy dotted with white or silver stars using a stencil or done freehand. Or use these glass painting ideas on a glass planter.

11. Mason Jar Lanterns

A perfect décor accent or centerpiece for your 4th of July table is to create beautiful lanterns from simple mason jars. Just add sand or pebbles in the bottom and a real or LED votive candle.

Decorate the outside of the jar with paint, twine or ribbon in red, white and blue for a distinctive 4th of July craft. 

12. Log Candle Centerpiece 

Another great 4th of July craft that makes a gorgeous centerpiece for our holiday table takes any size log and turns it into a chic candle holder  Use a jigsaw to cut out recesses in the wood large enough for your choice of votive holders. Paint the log in flag colors for a piece of decor you can use every year. 

13. Lollipop Bouquet

What do you give the host for the 4th of July party? Create a bundle of red, white and blue suckers as a cute edible alternative to floral centerpieces.

Just wrap the sticks in washi tape to create a cute bundle or place the suckers inside a block of floral foam in your favorite basket or bucket.  They also make cute party favors.

14. Independence Day Photo Booth 

Create a fun photo booth for your holiday cookout by draping a piece of fabric from posts or a tree branch and allow it to be the backdrop for group photos and selfies.

Add some fun prompts like star sunglasses, tiaras, confetti and funny props and allow guests to take their own phone shots.

15. String Sphere Lights

For another great 4th of July craft for adults, use an ordinary string of twinkle lights, wrap strings of colorful twine or string around balloons and coat with Mod Podge.

Allow them to dry, then pop the balloon, leaving behind perfect spheres that you can add to twinkle lights for unique and creative outdoor lighting. You can also make larger versions to use as hanging decor.  

16. Balloon Centerpiece

For a bright and large centerpiece, use balloons! This 4th of July craft for adults can be done with groups of helium balloons or just attach red, white and blue balloons to wooden sticks and place them inside a bucket or large vase. 

17. Patriotic Manicure or Pedicure 

Paint your nails in flag-inspired shades in honor of the holiday, adding stick-on elements like stars and fireworks in sparkles and glitter. For a fun spin, use an ombre approach on your nails using all three colors.

18. Red, White and Blue Candy Jars

For a sweet 4th of July craft, assemble some upcycled jars into a colorful candy display. Perfect candies for the project include red hots, cherry hard candy, blue raspberry gummies and white mints.

Layer them in jars for a fun centerpiece or party favor or use large glass cylinders and vases to make a sprawling candy bar that guests can eat their fill of.

19. Colorful Cake Bunting   

For simple cake decorating this 4th of July, create a small bit of miniature bunting with two wooden dowels, string or twine and some small paper triangles.  String the bunting between two dowels and add to the top of your cake or Fourth of July dessert.

20. Rocket Pop Soap

Make easy melt-and-pour soaps that look exactly like this classic icy favorite.  You will need a glycerine soap base, red and blue food coloring and a silicone popsicle mold.

Heat the soap base in your microwave or double boiler, then add your food coloring before pouring into the molds and adding a stick as they cure and harden.

You can also add your favorite bath and body-grade scented oils  Wrap them in cellophane for a fun party favor or give them away as gifts. 

21. Patriotic Balloon Arch 

Create a simple and inexpensive balloon arch using a pre-made kit from Amazon or construct one yourself with balloon stakes and pool noodles.

Attach the balloons to the arch in red, white and blue. You can also add other elements like ribbons, pompoms and other accents among the balloons. 

22. Stars and Stripes Bath Bombs 

Making lusciously scented bath bombs as a 4th of July craft  may be easier than you think. You can make a simple bath bomb from baking soda, citric acid and a few other ingredients, then use red and blue food coloring to add some color.

Fill spherical bath bomb molds or use silicone molds in other fun shapes like stars or hearts for smaller bombs.  You can also add some bath-safe glitter or confetti to the bombs that appear when they dissolve. 

23. Washi Taped Silverware 

For a stylish 4th of July crafts and quick way to add some festive energy to ordinary plastic silverware at your picnic, try wrapping the handles of each piece with red, white and blue patterned washi tape.

The tape instantly elevates even inexpensive cutlery and adds some celebratory charm to your table. 

Best 4th of July Crafts to Sell

24. Red, White and Blue Pottery

Summer is a season of art and craft markets, where vendors peddle their wares on tables filled with red, white and blue festive charm. Pottery is always a big seller at craft markets, from large pieces like vases and bowls to smaller accents like candle holders, mugs and clay jewelry.

You will also learn pottery painting ideas and glazing techniques. You can get started making handmade pottery by enrolling in a pottery class near you, including pottery classes in NYC, pottery classes in Miami and pottery classes in Los Angeles.

25. Tin Can Windsock

For another fun and easy 4th of July craft you can sell, turn a boring tin coffee can into a charming windsock. Paint the can’s exterior with blue paint and stars, then add trailing lengths of red and white ribbon to the bottom that will blow in the wind. You can also use tin snips to cut out your stars on the can.

26. Ribbon Sparklers

If your community has a craft market over the holiday, this fun 4th of July craft is sure to be a hit among celebrants. To make them, add some ribbons wrapped around the top of an inexpensive wooden dowel.

You can also use pieces of sewing rick rack or streams of tinsel for some shine. The sparklers are perfect for selling at parades, festivals and other celebrations. 

27. Ribbon Pinwheels

Another popular 4th of July craft popular at summertime markets are ribbons created from ribbon dowels and ribbon. Fold large ribbon into charming pinwheels then hot glue them to the sticks.

You can make many of these for little expense and time, all of which will go over big with craft fair attendees. They are also great for decorating your yard. 

28. Tissue Paper Flowers

You can make adorable paper flowers from tissue paper in seasonal colors. Just fold the paper accordion style into a strip, then secure the middle with a piece of wire or a twist tie.

Fan out the tissue paper on either side to create volume. Use the flowers in bouquets, on garlands and as decorative accents. Attach them to green pipe cleaner stems and sell single flowers or bouquets at holiday markets and celebrations. 

29. 4th of July Wooden Sign or Word Art

Wooden signs are always a big hit at farmer’s markets, craft expos and online marketplaces. Even if you do not have wood carving equipment or expertise, you can make a simple sign using woodcut letters from craft stores and any piece of wood with a little paint and ingenuity. 

Use wood glue to place the letters, then paint the sign. Or use stencils to add words and stars to a flat plank of wood. 

30. Star Crown

A fun 4th of July craft that always goes over well with buyers in craft markets and festivals are these fun tiaras and crowns created from foil star garland.

Start with a wire base and wind it with foil star garland then add a trail of ribbons to the back. You can create them in a variety of adult and child sizes. 

31.  Stamped Linens

For another easy 4th of July craft that you can sell, create some festive textiles using rubber star stamps in various sizes and laundry-safe screen printing ink.

Create designs on placemats, tea towels, napkins and tablecloths. .Or, instead of a stamp, you can also apply the ink with a stencil.. Stars also make great tote bag painting ideas.

32. Handmade Paper Goods

Paper goods are always a popular item at art and craft fairs. Create fun 4th of July greeting cards from handmade paper or paper accents like paper stars, stamps, die cuts, thread or buttons.

You can also make handmade envelopes to enclose them with Independence Day flair.  Or create cards using fun collage ideas.

33. Patriotic Paper Lanterns

Paper lanterns are an easy 4th of July craft to make and sell at craft markets and online. Start with red, white or blue circle lanterns found at craft or party stores in various sizes.

Decorate the lantern with rubber stamps, hand-painted accents or circles of tissue paper glued down in rows for a luxe look. 

34. Red, White and Blue Beaded Earrings

Beaded jewelry is a fun 4th of July craft that makes beautiful objects you can sell and wear. YouTube is filled with great tutorials on beginner jewelry-making, including simple beaded earrings with supplies you can find at craft retailers like Michael's. 

Fun 4th of July Crafts for Kids

35. Art and Craft Classes

A great way to get your kid interested in arts and crafts is to enroll them in art classes that build skills and experience in making. You can find classes devoted to subjects like watercolor painting, candle making and woodworking in art classes near you. Look for art classes in Chicago, art classes in Seattle or art classes in Columbus.

36. Popsicle Stick Flag

This fun 4th of July craft for kids requires only some wooden popsicle sticks, paint and Elmer’s glue to make adorable wooden flags. Use glue to hold the ticks together and allow them to dry. Then paint a field of blue stars and red and white stripes using the sticks as a guide. 

37. Firefly Catching Jar

Summertime dusk means fireflies aplenty. Create the perfect jar for capturing lightning bugs with some red, white and blue flare, by wrapping the bottom of the jar in ribbon or twine and poking holes in a star pattern along the lid.

38. Tie Dye Towels

Turn an ordinary white towel into a work of die dye art using red and blue fabric dye. Use twine or rubber bands to create gathers along the towel before dipping it in the dye. This is a fun outdoor activity during the summer and creates custom-made towels for your July beach and pool outings. 

39. Paper Rockets

A fun paper activity and 4th of July craft is creating paper rockets from cylinders of construction paper. Decorate them with firework bursts or stars. Add a cone of paper to create the top, then finish with paper streamers or ribbon along the bottom that trail in the breeze.  

40. Festive Pipe Cleaner Jewelry

For a fun piece of jewelry and easy 4th of July craft for kids, use red, white and blue pipe cleaners to create fun jewelry like rings and bracelets. Wrap them around your finger or wrist, then bend the top into the shape of a star. 

41. Felt Stars

Cutting out simple felt stars is a great 4th of July craft even for the youngest crafters using kid-safe plastic scissors. Cut them from various colors of felt then use them to decorate artwork and objects. Or string them together to create a star banner. 

42. Pipe Cleaner Tiara

Another fun 4th of July craft for toddlers that uses pipe cleaners is creating a tiara for your holiday celebration. Just create a circle of joined pipe cleaners, then add additional ones in red, white and blue radiating from the center. Shape the top in flowers or stars.

43. Independence Day Temporary Tattoos

You can purchase tattoo paper for laser or inkjet printers at craft retailers and Amazon that allow you to design your own faux tattoos and print them out. Have your kids design their own holiday-inspired designs full of flags, stars and fireworks bursts, then wear them proudly on their skin. 

44. Popsicle Garland 

Create a fun summertime red, white and blue popsicle garland using repurposed toilet paper or paper towel rolls cut in half. Wrap the rolls in sheets of colored construction paper, then glue a stick inside. Poke holes along the top to hang them from a string for a charming 4th of July craft you can use to decorate.

45. Friendship Bracelets 

A fun 4th of July craft for older kids is creating friendship bracelets using red, white and blue string or embroidery floss, plastic beads and charms to create personalized bracelets. This is a great summertime kids' party activity that results in a cool keepsake to take home. 

RELATED: 29 Cute Clay Bead Bracelet Ideas to Make & Share in 2024 

46. Sponge Stamped Stars 

For an easy 4th of July craft for toddlers, create some basic star shapes by cutting up a sponge, then allow kids to dip them into poster paint and apply to paper. You can also use other materials to create custom pieces of art, including stickers and glitter.    

Best 4th of July Crafts for School

47. Marble Firework Painting

If you’re stuck in the classroom this summer, you may be looking for fun and engaging activities that celebrate the coming holiday and keep kids interested and creative during the warmer months when they may otherwise like to be outside.

A cool 4th of July craft you can do in the classroom is create firework paintings by applying paint to a marble, then rolling it around on a canvas or paper surface to create a starburst pattern. 

48. Red, White and Blue Ribbon Windsock

For a fun 4th of July craft activity for older students, have them create ribbon windsocks using ribbon and strips of fabric tied to a circle fashioned from heavy wire. Use varying lengths wrapped and tied around the wire for a cute accent they can take home and hang outdoors to blow in the wind. 

49. Origami Stars

The art of origami is a great way to teach students a very old art form using paper. Stars are some of the simplest sculptures to make even for young crafters. Use recycled pages from books or magazines, construction paper or decorative papers featuring 4th of July patterns and prints. 

50. 4th of July Bingo 

For a fun classroom activity and 4th of July craft, create a set of bingo cards featuring holiday imagery like stars, flags, Uncle Sam, etc. and then play a few rounds in the classroom. You can also use it as an opportunity to learn about American history. 

51. Star Suncatchers

A classic classroom craft, these easy suncatchers can be created with a couple of sheets of wax paper, some paper cutouts of stars and a construction paper frame.

Place the stars between the sheets, then run an iron over it to melt the wax, trapping the stars inside. Add a simple frame around the outside and add a string for hanging in the window. You can make them rectangular, round or shape them like a star. 

52. Fork Firework Paintings

For an easy 4th of July craft for preschoolers, dip some plastic forks in acrylic paint and allow kids to paint with the tines, creating cool firework patterns on paper.  The forks are easier to hold in small hands than a conventional brush.

53. Flag Handprint Art

This 4th of July craft creates a fun keepsake that parents will want to hold onto. Use poster paint to create a flag motif on the palm of kids’ hands then place their palms on paper or fabric, leaving behind the imprint.

This is a fun yearly 4th of July craft for preschoolers that allows you to chart the passing years by the size of little palms through body painting.

54. Cupcake Liner Fireworks

Cupcake liners can be great for creating all manner of things far beyond actual cupcakes. Use them as a way to make easy paper blooms or to create fireworks.

Simply fray the edges of the liner with kid-safe scissors. Glue them to wooden dowels or popsicle sticks for a cute 4th of July craft for kids.

55. 50 States Paintings

Use the 50 states as inspiration for a painting project in the classroom that helps kids learn the state names. Give them a map, then have them identify states or regions using different colors of paint or markers as a class exercise. 

56. Presidential Flashcards

Another fun and educational 4th of July craft for school related to American history is helping students create flash cards devoted to US presidents. 

Glue printouts of each president to pieces of cardstock then have students identify them or add facts and dates to each card. You can also use images of historic American events.

57. Paper Sail Boats

For a fun and nautically themed 4th of July craft activity, have kids make paper boats using red, white and blue paper and decorative elements including stickers, foil stars and rubber stamps. 

Whether you are an experienced crafter or just beginning your making adventure, these ideas are perfect for making your holiday gatherings, home and classroom engaging and dynamic places for celebrating the nation’s birthday with vibrance and creativity. 

For even more fun art ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!