Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.
Patriotic DIY Projects to Try
Making patriotic crafts to celebrate the 4th of July and Memorial Day is a wonderful way to show your love for the country. The red, white, and blue colors we associate with these holidays are also appropriate for summer decor, so you can leave the finished projects out all season long. I've put together a list of 48 crafts you can use to put your own project together. Enjoy! You'll find the directions for the beautiful birdhouses shown above here.
1. Burlap Flag Banner
Make this easy patriotic banner to display on your porch or mantle!
2. Wood Flag Wreath
A Diamond in the Stuff shares how to make these wooden wreaths. If you don't have a pallet form, try using five-gallon stir sticks to create your own!
3. Festive Table Runner
A bamboo table runner works perfectly to make this outstanding patriotic table covering. I suggest seeing if the nearest dollar store has an inexpensive runner you can use for this DIY.
4. Flag Luminaries
I love these inexpensive flag luminaries. You can use them both indoors or outdoors, so try making a lot of them to put around the house!
5. USA Blocks
It'll be easy finding a place to display these patriotic blocks. Whether you show them on a shelf or as a centerpiece, you're sure to receive all sorts of compliments on your crafting abilities.
6. Stars and Stripes
This stars-and-stripes project is perfect when you need decorations for the patriotic holidays. I think it would be beautiful on a mantle or as patio decor. Woodworkers will find this an easy project.
7. 3D Stars
I love these 3D patriotic stars. I made a few of them with old calendar pages and used small pins to hang them on my office wall. Beautiful!
8. DIY Solar Lamp
Imagine your patio with solar table lamps laying around to add a warm glow. They're sure to make any gathering festive and the evening cheery, so leave them as is or add a few colored stars or stripes to add a personal touch.
9. Firecracker Tie-dye Tee
I think this would be a fun project to do with a group of kids for an activity (like a baseball game) on the fourth of July. I Love To Create shares how easy it is to make this firecracker tee.
10. Patriotic Shoes
What could be more fun than having red, white, and blue shoes to go with your outfit? Make it a fun summer project for your whole family!
11. 4X4 Firecracker Decor
Wooden firecrackers or fireworks can be made to be used as decorations all summer long. They are simple but make a big impact when people approach your home.
12. Burlap Flag Pillow
You could say burlap is, in a way, associated with being American. You know, like apple pie? This flag-themed burlap pillow is a lovely home decor piece.
13. Citronella Candle Luminaries
If you're planning a patriotic-themed party, these luminaries will act as lovely mosquito-repellents and party decor!
14. Button Art
This button art project is a very simple craft, but notice how nice it looks. This is an art that can be displayed all year long.
15. Clothespin Flag Wreath
Make a creative flag wreath using clothespins! It looks like a fun craft to do with the kids and will look great hanging on your wall or door.
16. Wreath Pin
I really like this miniature patriotic wreath pin. It'd make a nice piece to wear on your top or in your hair—all you'd have to do is change it to the school colors to make it an everyday accessory.
17. Paint Stick Flag
Don't forget that you can get paint sticks used with 5 gallon paint cans. This paint stick flag is very inexpensive to make and looks terrific.
18. Jar-Flats Mobile
This patriotic mobile is made using the tops of tin cans, but I think I would use jar flats instead. Decide what you'd like to use, and try out this craft.
19. Liberty Stakes
Dress up your garden or flower beds with these liberty stakes! You can also make up your own phrases or use words like "freedom" and "America" if you'd like.
20. Star Bouquet
If you need decorations for a number of tables, this would be a star centerpiece.
21. Pledge of Allegiance Printable
This beautiful Pledge of Allegiance printable is a great addition to your home decor spread or for a classroom project.
22. Pinwheels
These patriotic pinwheels are easy to make and festive looking.
23. Burlap Silverware Holder
Dress up your patriotic themed party with these burlap silverware holders.
24. Stand-Up Stars
Think of all the ways that you can use these stand-up stars to celebrate the summer holidays.
25. Button Flag Plaque
I think this button flag craft would be very satisfying to make for Memorial Day.
26. Beaded Bracelet
This pony-bead bracelet is easy to make and sure to be a fun kid project!
27. Patriotic Lollies
What an appropriate decoration these patriotic lollies are for the summer holidays!
28. Patriotic Topiaries
These fringed topiaries will look great on your holiday table. Make as many of them as you'd like to place around the house!
29. Wood Pallet Flag
You'll definitely get nods of approval with this wood pallet flag. This is impressive.
30. Uncle Sam
Make Uncle Sam using egg carton cups. These are so cute, and the kids will enjoy making them.
31. Memorial Day Windsock
Show your pride in the red, white, and blue by making this beautiful windsock. Place it out on the lawn for a nice display of country pride.
32. 4th of July Block Flag
Celebrate America's birthday by making and displaying this easy block flag.
33. Popsicle Stick Coaster
When you're finished putting these popsicle stick flags together, spray them with a sealer to make your own coasters.
34. President's Day Pillow
Make this President's Day pillow to honor the holiday. It's a unique twist on a pillow that friends and family will appreciate.
35. 4th of July Wreath
Create this patriotic-looking wreath to display it on the days you want to show your love of country.
36. Popsicle Stick Flag
The kids will enjoy making these craft stick flags, and the seniors will also love putting this project together with them!
37. Suncatcher
Flat-backed acrylic beads and an acrylic disc are the main supplies you need to make this gorgeous suncatcher. This isn't a project for very young children because jewelry glue is involved. However, older kids will love making this DIY, and everyone will enjoy looking at it.
38. Map of America
Put this beautiful and colorful map of America together and frame the final result. Impressive!
39. Tin Can Luminaries
Line your walkway with luminaries made from tin cans! Have fun watching the passing cars slow down to get a closer look.
40. Noise Makers
Celebrate the 4th of July with DIY noise makers!
41. Bandana Tablecloth
This festive tablecloth is easy to sew together and makes a beautiful backdrop for the party food and activities that will take place on it.
42. Patriotic Sign
Make this eyecatching sign to put on your mantle!
43. Patriotic Bookmark
Book lovers everywhere will love a bookmark. Make and gift this beautiful bookmark to family and friends.
44. Patriotic Deco Mesh Wreath
45. Wooden Firecrackers
Make this huge wooden firecracker set to give your porch or deck a patriotic feel for the holidays.
46. Patriotic Window Shutter
Complete the patriotic look on your porch or patio by including a red, white, and blue painted shutter.
47. Bottle-Rocket Lawn Stakes
You'll find lots of ways to use these little bottle rockets. To make them into garden stakes, use full-length skewers instead of breaking them in half.
48. Scrappy Flag Pillow
This is one of my favorite projects. I love the looks of this shabby chic scrappy flag pillow.
Questions & Answers
Question: Where are the directions for these crafts?
Answer: Click on the highlighted words in the paragraph below the project picture. This will take you to the project site where the tutorial is located.
© 2012 Loraine Brummer
Be Proud of Your Heritage - with a comment
Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on June 14, 2017:
I'm sorry to say that the site which had the firework stakes is no longer available. I did find one which is very similar to it and have added it as a replacement. I hope you like this one also.
Rebekah on June 14, 2017:
I also wanted to see the firework stakes craft but the pic nor link to instructions is showing up for me. I saw where you messaged that it had been fixed but I didn't see it in the list. Great list by the way :D
Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on June 30, 2016:
Lorraine, I love all of these nifty and crafty ideas of yours for the holidays. I love the solar light idea I can use for my own apartment's patio. Nice lens!
Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on May 20, 2015:
Thanks, Heather, for your comment and heads up about the missing link. It's fixed now. The stakes are a nice garden addition.
heather on May 19, 2015:
I really like the firework lawn stakes but i can't find the direction for them
Lee Hansen from Vermont on July 08, 2014:
Oh so many great ideas for red, white and blue crafts and patriotic décor. Thank you for organizing all these ideas!
Angela F from Seattle, WA on June 27, 2014:
Fun ideas - pinned here: http://www.pinterest.com/uponrequest/red-white-blu...
askformore lm on January 16, 2013:
Thank you for a very creative lens!
JenaleeMortensen on July 04, 2012:
I like the patriotic hot pads and the luminaries--especially the fireworks one.
KittySmith on July 04, 2012:
There are so many crafts I like here, I will be busy for a while. Chosen for my July 4th quest.
Shelly Sellers from Midwest U.S.A. on July 04, 2012:
Wonderful crafts and fun food ideas for the 4th of July! I think the preztels are my favorite idea!
Susan Deppner from Arkansas USA on July 04, 2012:
I really haven't replaced my patriotic decorations. Should have sought out this lens earlier - the ideas are great and very inspiring! This year we'll focus on the flag, but next year hopefully I can get a few crafts done. Happy Birthday, USA!
Jen withFlash on July 04, 2012:
Great ideas!
KonaGirl from New York on July 01, 2012:
So many great ideas for the 4th of July holiday! I love the bandana tablecloth and the utensil holders. so cute.
montanatravel52 on June 29, 2012:
You really provided a lot of interesting ideas, thanks - I love that birdhouse idea and agree with you about how neat it looks! I'm excited to try a couple of your ideas this year...
Stephanie from DeFuniak Springs on June 26, 2012:
Cute ideas!
stacy mcdaniel on June 26, 2012:
Cool lens! I love the bandana tablecloth and the luminaries.
KayeSI on June 26, 2012:
@BeadCatz: What fun - and often easy - crafts for the whole family, from seniors to young grandkids. Perfect for the Sandwich Generation family.
latiptop on June 19, 2012:
This is so cool! I love crafty ideas! I'd like to link this to my patriotic lens, but I'm not sure how.:)
BeadCatz on June 14, 2012:
Excellent lens...thanks!
Wednesday-Elf from Savannah, Georgia on June 14, 2012:
I'm a crochet crafter, so that red, white & blue crocheted potholder is perfect for me. This was also the perfect lens to read today on Flag Day!
dream1983 on June 07, 2012:
Nice topic, great lens!
enetwal on June 06, 2012:
Enjoyed your lens. Very Creative. I tend to be a bit more subdued and focus on flying the flag and encouraging others to do so as well.
glowchick on May 26, 2012:
Great lens! Love all the different crafts and will have to give them a try.
UKGhostwriter on May 25, 2012:
Fantastic lens! - well done!
HtCares on May 25, 2012:
I love these craft project...they are awesome!! Thank you for sharing.
Cynthia Sylvestermouse from United States on May 23, 2012:
Awesome patriotic crafts! I love the bracelets.
fullofshoes on May 23, 2012:
Some of these are so unique.... really great stuff. ~blessed~
MartieG aka 'survivoryea' from Jersey Shore on May 23, 2012:
Lots of great ideas for one of our favorite summer fun days - :>)
Fcuk Hub on May 23, 2012:
Your celebration of 4th July is splendid :)
makemoneyonline5 on May 22, 2012:
love the crafts! Great ideas there could be used for other celebrations...well done.
Lou Martin from Atlanta, Georgia on May 22, 2012:
Great crafts!
anonymous on May 22, 2012:
I am English so I don't really know much about But I must admit it looks so much fun and the crafts look so pretty. I love the colours of American flag :) Its such a pretty flag. Happy 4th of July for 4th of July hope it is a lovely day for you AMERICA <3 sending my love from England.
dann7trdro lm on May 21, 2012:
happy 4th of july
KyraB on May 21, 2012:
Cute and fun crafts you have here, I'll have to try some of them when it gets closer to Independence day. Thanks for sharing!
anonymous on May 21, 2012:
Oh Yeah, I am so lloking forward to these Summer Holiday's! Time With Family and Friend is Never Wasted, but rather become Cherished Memories that Last Forever! ;DNicely Done, I am refelecting on my Childhood simply because of this Lens! :D
julieannbrady on May 21, 2012:
So many neat craft ideas with the patriotic theme ... I'm fixated on the bird houses myself.
