It’s SUMMER! Time to break out the flip flops, turn on the A/C, find a pool to swim in, and plan summer picnics. Of course, the biggest time for those picnics is the 4th of July, which is coming up soon! I don’t typically decorate for the 4th of July, but I decided to try an EASY 4th of July craft this year. I am loving it! It seriously took me less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and it cost me about $2.
Here’s how to make your own:
Find some striped straws. I found these at the Dollar Store last Valentine’s Day, but never used them. Striped straws are alllll over the place right now – I know most craft stores have them in stock in various colors and patterns. I used 2 packs of 12 straws for this project. These paper straws are also super cute (affiliate link):
Once you get those straws, cut a circle out of cardboard. Whip out that hot glue gun and divide your cardboard circle into 4 sections. Simply hot glue the straws right to the cardboard, and then fill in each “quarter” of your circle with another straw:
At this point, all of your straws are the same length. I think it adds some visual interest to vary the lengths, so I cut my remaining straws in half. I then filled in the spaces between the long straws with the straws that were cut in half:
You’re done with straws! Now on to the middle medallion. I used scrapbooking paper from my stash. I cut out a circle from white paper, and then a smaller circle from blue paper. Then it was time to figure out what to fill the middle with. This is where you can get creative! You can freehand something – it would be cool to have “USA” in the middle, or “4th of July”, or…the possibilities are endless!
I decided to use stencils and paint I had on hand (looove my Martha Stewart adhesive stencils – and no I’m not being paid to say that!!):
I went with a simple “4th” in the middle, and then embellished with some stenciled dots and stars. The texture on the top was freehand with a thin brush:
I simply hot glued the paper medallion onto the straws, and then hot glued a ribbon loop to the back of the cardboard. Easy peasy.
That’s it! In less than 30 minutes, you have an easy 4th of July craft finished. For being so simple and thrifty, it makes a big impact!
My husband said he thought it was cool that it looked like a firework exploding. I honestly didn’t even realize that until he said it! How festive!
Are you hosting a picnic for the 4th of July this year? Do you have any special traditions for this holiday?
Like this post? You’ll also like:
1. Navy & Yellow Summer Wreath Tutorial
2. DIY Pallet Planter Box for Herbs
3. Thrifty Outdoor Mason Jar Lighting
Linking to: Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Stories of A-Z, The 36th Avenue, Someday Crafts, Under the Table and Dreaming, Today’s Creative Blog, The DIY Show-Off, Serenity Now, Not JUST a Housewife, Whipperberry
Oh my cuteness! I love this… I am pinning 🙂
What a cute idea…this is adorable! This would be great to link-up to my Create It Thursday post…it’s live now! http://www.lambertslately.com/2013/05/create-it-thursday-4-plus-features.html
I love this! I love using straws in wreaths and this one looks fantastic.
Would you come share this at my (http://www.justusfourblog.com/2013/05/pinworthy-projects-party-65) Pinworthy Projects Party?
I love this easy 4th of July craft!
What a easy, fun idea. Very creative!
How cute and EASY! Thanks for sharing – visiting from over at TCB. Pinning onto my Red white & blue board 🙂
Very cute idea, and there is plenty of time to get it done. This idea will be at the top of my to do list.
Love it! So cute and creative! Come link up to centerpiece Wednesday linky party and share your post with us. http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/06/4th-of-july-decorations-and-centerpiece.html
Karin