Festive Firecracker DIY

As Memorial Day approaches, we’re seeing more red, white and blue lining the streets and adorning front porches. Taking this day as a time to honor, mourn and remember those who have served in our military and my favorite way to do just that is with a handmade craft. These patriotic firecrackers are the perfect thing to decorate with and a safe sparkler to play with this Memorial Day. 

We used recycled toilet paper rolls and a fun collection of red, white and blue craft supplies from our Kid Made Modern Art & Craft Library to make a set of firecrackers. With options to had a handle, these are perfect for parades and events this season, or simply double the length of your handle to turn them into an adorable centerpiece for your backyard barbecue!

To make your own firecrackers, collect the supplies listed below and let’s get crafting! 

Supplies:

• Recycled toilet paper tubes (1 tube per firecracker)
• Cardboard
• Felt in red, white and blue
• Fuzzy sticks in metallic red, blue, silver and gold
• Metallic mini pom poms
• Wooden craft sticks (1 per firecracker or 2 per firecracker to make them into a centerpiece)
• Paint (I used Kid Made Modern’s Washable Red Pepper paint)

Tools:

• Paintbrush
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun

Step 1: To make your firecracker, start with your recycled toilet paper tube and scrap piece of cardboard. Trace 2 circles on your cardboard by placing the tube on top of your cardboard and outlining the circular end of the tube. You will need 2 cardboard circles per firecracker. 

Ideally, your circle should fit snuggly into the inside of the tube, if your circles are too large, trim them down slightly until they can fit flush in the inner edge of the tube.

Step 2: Using scissors we will create holes in the cardboard circles, take one edge of your scissor and puncture the cardboard circle to create 3 holes for the top circle and 1 hole in the center for the bottom circle. This can be a tricky step and might need some help from an adult. 

Step 3: Add hot glue to one inner edge of the tube and place your cardboard circle inside the tube, the circle should be snug but able to easily sit inside the inner edge of the tube. Follow the same step on the other end of the tube so both ends are sealed. 

We want to see your finished kids’ art projects. Post on social media what you created and tag us using the hashtags #kidmademodern #gomakestuff

This post is by fiber artist and craft enthusiast Tessa Anderstrom, the owner of handmade shop Studio Jane which focuses on sustainably made home décor and handmade art. As an avid DIYer with a passion for learning new skills, Tessa enjoys sharing that knowledge with crafters of all ages.