This Independence Day, leave the firework show (and any part of playing with fire) to the experts and spark your kiddo’s imagination with these 21 star-spangled projects. They’re fun, easy and sure to keep your little patriot happy and safe. From spark-less sparklers to a dynamite garland, these show-stopping ideas will entertain and inspire kiddos as they celebrate America’s big day!

photo: Armelle

Sam I Am
Ah, the wonders of duct tape! Skip the paint and instead, glue and tape your way to an adorable red, white and blue accessory by following this simple tutorial by blogger Caroline Armelle Drake. You’ll love that it’s easy to make and it only takes a few odds and ends that you probably already have around the house. Hats off to the most adorable Uncle Sam look-a-likes we know!

photo: Paging Supermom

It’s In the Can
Let freedom ring with these firecracker noisemakers! The project comes together in less than five minutes and is sure to have the whole party celebrating in style. Grab a metal can, wrap it in this pretty patriotic paper from Paging Supermom, then get ready for serious noise. Click here for the full tutorial .

photo: Fantastic Fun Learning

Blow-You-Away-Baubles
Everyone loves a great bauble! This 4th of July, add a little glam to your day and make these pipe cleaner rings with your kiddos. Visit Fantastic Fun Learning for all the sparkly details. Psst! Hang on to the tinsel stems, that New Year’s Eve party will be here before you know it!

photo: Live Playfully 

Pop the Top
Fireworks that are safe for indoors—yes, please! This DIY firework has everything that little ones love including glitter, pipe cleaners, and confetti. Made from push up cake molds or empty ice cream push-pop containers, this fun party favor will be a huge hit with the 10 and under crowd. Pop over to Live Playfully for the full tutorial.

photo: She Knows

Shake Up the Fun
Shake, rattle, and roll your way to the fireworks show with these super cute paper plate noisemakers. The genius idea from She Knows uses dried pasta or dried beans for the noise element and a kiddo’s awesome imagination for the design. We think it’s a winning combo!

photo: Happy Hooligans

Twirly Towels
Use these colorful wind twirlers to celebrate America’s birthday by reusing something every home in America probably has—paper towel rolls. We love the ingenuity of this easy-to-make craft by Happy Hooligans; wouldn’t it be the perfect backyard decoration?!

photo: buggy and buddy 

Light It Up
America’s gal comes to life with this patriotic craft from Buggy and Buddy. Drama kings and queens will love getting the chance to dress up as the Statue of Liberty and parade around with a crown and torch. Get the full tutorial on this paper plate craft here.

photo: Pink Stripey Socks

photo: Crafts Unleashed

Star Style
Complete your little patriot’s July 4th look with this Bottle Cap Necklace by A Pumpkin and a Princess. It’s a fun, inexpensive craft that’s sure to become this holiday’s favorite accessory. Check out the tutorial over at Crafts Unleashed.

photo: Merriment Design 

Spark-less Sparkler
While the ’80s kid in us still mourns for real deal sparklers (the fiery kind) the 21st century parent in us is totally relieved that it’s no longer acceptable to send your kids out with fire sticks. That said, we’re thrilled to get our sparkler fix with a super cool craft like this spark-less sparkler from Merriment Design. Break out the chopsticks, ribbon and party garland, then craft your way to the coolest, safest sparkler around.

photo: Small + Friendly via Inner Child Giving

Festive Flair
This sparkling headpiece from Carla of Small + Friendly adds a festive flair to any ensemble. Made from shimmering pipe cleaners, it’s the perfect craft to keep the kids busy until the big fireworks display. Follow the instructions over at Inner Child Giving.

photo: Warm Hot Chocolate

Firework Flare
This fire-free craft from Warm Hot Chocolate definitely gets our stamp of approval. Your little artists will love using their handmade stamp to create unique works of art. Check out the how-to here, and start making room on the fridge.

photo: 504 Main

4th of July-in-a-Jar
Capture the spirit of Independence Day in a jar with this whimsical no-fire fireworks craft from 504 Main. It reminds us of a patriotic snow globe!   Make your own with the instructions here.

photo: Mini Monets and Mommies

Glitter Stars and Stripes
Add a little sparkle to your celebration with this glittery flag from Mini Monets and Mommies. With the weather heating up, it’s great way to reuse all those discarded Popsicle sticks. Check out how you and the kids can make your own here.

photo: Carrots Are Orange

Lady Liberty
Designed by Carrots are Orange for even the littlest crafters, have your Miss (or Mister) Liberty decorate this iconic statue with colorful paint daubers. Spot the details here.

photo: Make and Takes

Flags for the 4th
This fun craft from Make and Takes will have everyone begging to sit at the kid’s table. Leftover paper plates make the perfect canvas for this after-dinner activity.

photo: Creative Green Living

Red, White and Can
Forgo the craft store and instead, scavenge materials for this eco-friendly project directly from your recycling bin. Using basic tools and a little craft paint, Carissa at Creative Green Living transformed everyday tin cans into a festive and functional wind chime for the backyard. Learn how to make your own here and start saving those cans!

photo: Kinder Craze

Spectacular Star
Maria of Kinder Craze created this awesome project to get her Kindergarten class into the holiday spirit. Your kids will love layering the red, white and blue tissue paper to create their very own “stained glass” window, and this colorful craft doubles as great window décor for your July Fourth celebration. See the how-to here.

photo: Pure Joy Paperie

Give Yourself a Hand
How cute are these tees? Have the kids lend a hand in designing the attire this July 4th. Liz over at Pure Joy Home got the entire family in on the fun with matching tees in various styles.

photo: Fantastic Fun and Learning

Light It Up
Before the fireworks light up the night sky, illuminate your backyard with this simple outdoor craft. A paintbrush, glue and sparkly sequins are all the kids will need to transform everyday glass containers into decorative luminaries. Fill with a battery-powered tea light to use these whimsical jars as a bedroom nightlight like the girls over at Fantastic Fun and Learning did. Find out more here.

photo: Morena’s Corner via Crafts Unleashed

Wonderful Wands
There’s nothing like a sparkling accessory to get your kids into the patriotic spirit. Perfect for waving at the local parade, these glittery wands would also make for a great photo opp. Get all the crafty details at Crafts Unleashed.

Which 4th of July craft will you try with your little ones?

— Aimee Della Bitta & Lauren Hill