CRAFT
Bursting with national pride Get patriotic with this easy craft
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER
T
here can never be too much red, white and blue around the Fourth of July. So get a package of fun red and white paper straws to create this festive wreath for all your barbecues and festivities. And if there are leftover straws, make some fun kiddie cocktails to enjoy while watching the fireworks.
Materials: u Cardboard u 144-count red and white paper straws u Hot glue gun and sticks u Scissors u Blue construction paper
Directions:
1 2
On a piece of cardboard, create a floral ring about 6 inches in diameter.
Apply glue to the first inch of a full-size straw, then adhere to the cardboard ring so that the end is flush with the inner ring. Continue to add full-sized straws all the way around the inner ring evenly.
3
Cut more full-sized straws to be three-quarters length. Then apply those straws with hot glue on the top and in between the first layer of straws. Again make the flush end even along the inner ring.
4
For a third layer, cut more straws in half. Then add the third layer with hot glue and the half-sized straws. You can even alternate with the leftover onefourth size straws as well.
5
Either trace a star or draw freehand stars on blue construction paper. Cut out and adhere with glue to the wreath. If needed, secure a small loop of ribbon or twine on the back of the wreath with glue. Hang and enjoy! Megan Murray Elsener is a Chicago Parent contributor and mother of three.
18 July 2018 ChicagoParent.com
CHIPAR0718_018.indd 1
6/14/18 1:55 PM