7 Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Crafts

Country Living

Inspired by turn-of-the-century celebrations, theseseven joyful tributesto red, white, and blue harken to a time when impromptu hats were folded from leftover newspapers, and marching bands, firecrackers, and lawn games marked the day.

happy fourth of july sign
happy fourth of july sign

1. Rosette Banner

Make this banner in five easy steps. You can adapt the rosettes to any size of your choosing.

Get the step-by-step instructions »

















4th of july craft hats
4th of july craft hats

2. Festive Paper Hat Place Cards

Fold these charming paper-hat place cards, then add colorful bands, rosettes, and toppers. Make a sparkling hat topper by coiling a metallic pipe cleaner around a pencil, then carefully inserting the pipe cleaner into the top of the hat. Print or hand-stamp a name banner and trim with pinking shears. Fold hats using newspaper or red, white, and blue crepe paper. Look for striped and dotted paper, too.

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napkin holder
napkin holder

3. Napkin Holder

Newspaper's faded tones lend these projects vintage appeal. We used the same folding technique as thehat place cards, then brightened it with a glittery rosette, a blue band trimmed with pinking shears, and a simple name banner in a bold typeface.

GLUE TIP:When working with crepe paper, use a glue stick or transfer tape. Liquid glue can cause colors to run.











4. Old Award Ribbons from Crepe Paper

The look here was inspired by crepe paper found at a flea market, then reworked to create chair decorations that resemble old-world ribbons.

Plus: 10 more easy summer craft projects »

















5. Lady Liberty Door Hanger

The Lady Liberty door hanger can be filled with fresh flowers, stick candy, or lollipops. A simple crepe paper pocket is glued to the back of aprintout of Lady Libertyon heavy paper. Embellish with a rosette; hand tie with ribbon.
















6. Fourth of July Carnation Balls

Carnation balls are a fresh take on a humble flower. They add a fun burst of color to your Fourth of July table, and they're easy to make.

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7. Firecracker Favors

Guests will get a bang out of these "firecracker" favors, which can be filled with sparklers.

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Tips: What You'll Need and Where To Get It

PAPER:Newspaper gives the crafts their old-fashioned appearance, so even in more colorful projects, include a little bit. For crepe paper, visitpapersource.com.

PIPE CLEANERS:Metallic versions in silver, gold, and red add sparkle. Find them at craft supply stores, such as Michaels.

RIBBON:Check your own stash before heading out to buy red, white, and blue ribbon. Look for prints as well as solids at Jo-Ann.

GLUE:For crepe paper, use dry glue, such as a glue stick or 3M transfer tape.

PRINTABLES:For lettering, use any typeface with a vintage look. Type letters with spaces between them to allow room for cutting. Download the postcard images and print or photocopy onto heavy paper.

Embellish withGLITTER, fromtinseltrading.comor any craft supply store.

See more from CountryLiving.com:

100+ Ideas for Your Bedroom »
80+ Kitchen Design Ideas »
70 Living Rooms You'll Love »
20+ Ways to Decorate Your Porch and Patio »

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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.