Fourth of July Crafts — Our Top Ten Projects

Yeah, yeah, we know: The Fourth of July still feels aways off, but the truth is that it’s just around the corner. So what better time than now to start your holiday crafts? Let’s get right down to business with invites: These banner-print invitations feel just casual enough to announce your cookout. And when everyone’s getting a million emails in their workday, a real piece of mail won’t go unnoticed.
To get the look, simply doodle some festive bunting onto cardstock (seriously, bunting still looks cute no matter how messy you get illustrating) or download the printable from Blush Printables.

Pocket Placemats

Make your mats extra useful by sewing on a pocket. Simply snip out a rectangle of coordinating fabric and stitch directly to the placemat.

Double-Swirl Cupcakes

Bookmark this recipe idea for your Fourth of July party: Double-swirled cupcakes. They’re made by layering red-and-blue tinted cake batter (the white layer is just the vanilla cake left au natural). To create the icing swirl, add a few drops each of red and blue food coloring to white icing, gently mix together, then spoon into a pastry bag. You’ll get a marble effect as you pipe out the frosting.

Pincushion with Purpose

Yeah, there’s a pincushion here in our round-up. Why? Because you can repurpose the cute pin holder as a menu holder (or buffet marker) on your table. Just crochet a granny square in red, white and blue yarn, then use to top a pincushion.
For free pincushion patterns, visit The Domestic Diva.

Medallion Wreath

For an impressive (and of course, festive) wreath, stick a bunch of paper medallions onto a wreath form using hot glue. To make the medallions, pleat a rectangle of paper width-wise, push a staple through the center, then fan out each side to form a medallion. (Secure the two sides into a circle shape using double-stick tape.)
For a free paper medallion tutorial, visit Spotted Canary.

Patriotic Cushions

To personalize any cushion, a felt monogram is the quickest way to go. Just trace a letter onto felt, cut out, then stitch to the pillow. For patriotic flair, choose a bright red, white or blue color for the monogram.
Want to create your own pillow? Visit HGTV.

Americana Favor Boxes

Want to charm your guests? Then pile penny candy inside super-cute milk carton-inspired treat boxes. The shortcut to making them: Actual milk cartons. Just cover each in pretty paper, then add a personalized label.
For the printable version of these favor boxes, visit (again!) Blush Printables.

Painted Picnic Table

Dress up your picnic table with a patriotic paint pattern that looks just as nice during the rest of the summer. The key? Using latex house paint, which coats the surface, preventing splinters. It’s also easy to clean.

Patriotic Bouquets

For festive charm on the cheap, nothing compares to a monochromatic arrangement of carnations. We always like the ball shape, which never fails to impress people. Just carve floral foam into a ball, soak with water, then add in carnations (trim the stems to about 2″ beforehand). Fancy.

Ribbon Wreath

For another take on Independence Day wreaths, try this crafty version. To do: Take a wire wreath form, then tie bows of festive ribbon around it until the form is covered. Then, trim the ends of the ribbon to a uniform length. We think this one is so adorable, it would be a shame to put it away after the Fourth is over!

Image credits (from top to bottom): flickr.com/blushprintables, flickr.com/alisharusher, flickr.com/stephycupcake, flickr.com/sewingdaisies, TheDuchessCollection.etsy.com, TheOldPinkPorch.etsy.com, flickr.com/blushprintables, flickr.com/peebot, flickr.com/hyperbolation and flickr.com/heatherknitz