DIY 4th of July Fun
The 4th of July is a celebration of citizens’ rights, American History, and gratitude for the freedoms we have. We drape every inch of our country in red, white, and blue while enjoying BBQ and summer fun with neighbors, family, and friends. Now is a time to remember past celebrations and create lasting memories. We’ve gathered up some ideas to help you get started in 2015.
Tissue Paper Flags
What you’ll need:
- White paper
- Red and blue tissue paper
- Glue
- White paint and paint brushes
Cut blue tissue paper into a rectangle and glue to the upper left corner of the white paper.
Tear or cut red tissue paper into long strips and glue horizontally with a few inches of white showing between each stripe both below the blue square and beside it to mimic the flag.
Use white paint to dab polka dots on blue tissue paper.
Let dry before moving.
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Giant Flour Stencils
Create big star stencils out of cardboard or poster boards. Then use flour to create festive white decorations on your lawn.
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Tin Can Americana Windsock
This is a great way to reuse your baked bean or vegetable cans as you prepare your 4th of July feast. You’ll need a tin car with label and residual glue removed, blue paint, white foam stars, patriotic 2 inch wide ribbons (or red and white if you want a clean, American flag look), twine or fishing line, and a drill.
- Paint the outside of the can blue and allow to dry.
- Glue white foam stars to the outside of the can.
- Cut ribbons to the desired length and glue one end of each to the inside of the can.
- Drill four holes in the bottom of the can and fish twine or fishing line through them; tie ends together.
- Once the glue is dry, hang from your favorite spot on patio or in yard.
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Super Easy 4th of July Necklaces
Use dark blue pony beads and white and red stripped straws cut into 1 inch pieces to make a single strand necklace on a piece of white yarn. Your kiddos can wear them to the family get together, the local parade, or for the fireworks show.
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Red, White, and Blue Pancakes
Serves 8-10
Blueberry Pancakes
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 pinch salt
2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1/4 c. oil
2 c. fresh blue berries, plus more for topping
Red Velvet Pancakes
2 cup all-purpose flour
3Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt
4 large eggs
1 c. heavy whipping cream
8 oz. milk
2 Tbsp. teaspoons apple cider vinegar
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/3 tsp. Super Red food coloring gel
Cooking oil or spray if cooking in a pan
Toppings
Whip Cream
Blueberries
4th of July Sprinkles
Directions:
- Heat two oiled skillets or a large griddle on medium high heat.
- Make each pancake batter separately:
- For blueberry pancakes, mix together dry ingredients in a large bowl and wet ingredients, including deshelled egg, into a smaller bowl. Pour combined wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until well mixed. Fold in blueberries and set aside.
- For red velvet pancakes, mix together the vinegar and heavy cream; set aside. Mix together the dry ingredients in a large bowl; set aside. Mix melted butter into heavy cream, then add eggs, vanilla, and red dye; whisk until smooth. Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into the bowl. Mix well.
- Pour one pancake worth of each batter onto cooking surface(s). Allow pancakes to cook until bubbles on surface have popped.
- Flip each with a spatula as the first sides are done cooking.
- To serve, place one of each pancake on a plate, top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and blueberries. Enjoy!
(Click Here for a Gluten Free Recipe Version of Red, White, and Blue Pancakes)
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Festive Ice Cream Sandwiches
Buy your choice of ice cream sandwiches and allow to thaw slightly. Then put red, white, and blue sprinkles on a paper plate and roll the soft ice cream edges in them. They’ll stick to the sides and make for a celebratory treat!
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Hand Guards with Solo Cups
Poke a hole through the bottom of a solo cup and push the handle of sparklers inside. Have your child hold it with their hand inside the cup. This will protect their sensitive skin from stray flames as they play with their personal fireworks.
