Kids can transform cardboard tubes and streamers into these cute Fourth of July decorations that hide a sweet treat. Fill a basket with these fake firecrackers as a sweet treat or a party favor at an Independence Day barbecue or as a favor at a kid's summer birthday.
I love kids' crafts that are useful. Kids get to show off their handiwork in a project that others can use and appreciate.
July 4th Craft Materials
The number of tubes and supplies that you'll need will depend on the number of these crafts you plan on creating.
- Cardboard tubes from the inside of rolls of paper towel or toilet tissue; cut longer tubes in half
- Red, white, and blue crepe-paper streamers
- White glue
- Red, white, and/or blue curling ribbon
- Snack-size resealable plastic bags (if you are using unwrapped candy)Unwrapped candies (such as candy-covered chocolates) or wrapped candy
- Scissors
Make a Candy Treat Bag
Step 1: If you are using unwrapped candy, divide the candy into the number of snack-size bags that you need for your party guests.
Step 2: Wrap a strip of crepe paper along the length of one tube, across one opening (this will be the bottom), and up the other side. Add another six inches of crepe paper to the length.
Step 3: Use that strip of crepe paper to measure the other strips of paper. You will need one strip of red, one of white, and one of blue for each firecracker. It will be easier to cut all the strips that you need for all of your firecrackers at one time instead of trying to complete each item from start to finish one at a time.
Step 4: Spread a thin layer of white glue over the cardboard tube. Apply the strips so they cross over one another at the bottom, cover the entire tube, and the excess length hangs beyond the opening (so it will have six "tails"). Add more glue as necessary to hold the strips to the tube.
Step 5: Allow the glue to dry completely then slide one bag of candy into each firecracker. If you are using wrapped candies, you can slip them in loose.
Step 6: Cut one-to-three pieces of curling ribbon that are 6"-to-8" long. Hold the pieces of ribbon together and tie around the excess paper at the top of the firecracker. Knot and then curl the ends of the ribbon. If you wish, trim the crepe paper shorter, cutting the strips on an angle.
After you've made all of your Fourth of July candy firecrackers, set them into a low basket or plastic storage bin so the flares of the firecrackers extend in the same direction. This is a fun craft for kids to do on their own or with a parent to decorate a family barbecue or a birthday party.
Try some of these other kids' crafts this summer:
Labor Day Activities for Kids and Their Families
Spring Crafts for Kids: Make Umbrella, Rainbow, and Flower Mobiles
