Art with Alyssa: Stars & Stripes Windsocks

windsock 2342

Decorate your yard this Fourth of July with do-it-yourself Stars & Stripes Windsocks, a great upcycling project that turns metal cans into patriotic indoor or outdoor décor.

Supplies

3 (or more) clean metal food cans

Blue and white acrylic paint

Paintbrush

Water cup

Optional: white star stickers (or paint stars on with white paint)

Red, white and/or blue ribbon OR red, white & blue striped ribbon

Glue gun or glue dots

Hammer

Nail

Twine or string

Something to cover work area

Directions

Clean and dry cans.
Paint exterior of cans completely in blue paint. If more than one coat is necessary, allow to dry between layers.
Once the cans are dry, apply white star stickers or paint several white stars onto each can.
Allow to dry completely.
Using the hammer and nail, punch two holes in the flat end of the can, carefully thread a length of twine through the holes and tie together to create a loop. This is what will be used to hang the windsocks.
Cut red, white and blue (or striped) ribbons approximately 12 inches long. The number of ribbons needed varies with the width of the ribbon.
Attach several strips of ribbon inside the open end of the can with glue dots or hot glue.
Arrange as desired.

Continuing the discussion (for parents/teachers):

Link arts and crafts to literature to enhance a themed project or lesson. Here are suggested books for Fourth of July:

Happy Birthday America by Mary Pope Osborne

Apple Pie 4th of July by Janet S. Wong

Celebration by Jane Thomas

–––––––––––

Alyssa Navapanich is a nationally recognized art educator who teaches art to elementary school kids in East San Diego County. She is the author of San Diego Family Magazine’s “Art with Alyssa” column.

–––––––––––

Art with Alyssa: How to Make Upcycled Flower Suncatchers

Creating flower suncatchers is a fun spring and summer project that also makes a sweet handmade Mother’s Day gift. Press dried flowers between two layers of clear plastic from an upcycled con . . .

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Spring is an excellent time for nature-inspired art projects for kids. This month’s “Art with Alyssa” project provides instructions to make nature pendants, which make wonderful gifts for . . .

Smiling Sun Craft

Brighten up a spring or summer day with a smiling sun craft made with colorful yarn and glue. This project also makes a festive Cinco de Mayo decoration. Get creative and make your own unique design . . .

Art with Alyssa: Earth Monoprints

Celebrate Earth Day by doing an art project at home and participating in local Earth Day events around San Diego. Discussion Points for Teachers/Parents How to take care of the planet—Reduce, . . .

Art with Alyssa: DIY Miniature Book

It’s really fun to craft your own mini books. They make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more, or a unique place to record your own ideas and quotes. There is lot . . .

Make a Fiesta Banner

Make a festive decoration with this quick and easy DIY project for your Cinco de Mayo celebration at home.Supplies 6 sheets of tissue paper (10” x 20”)Several sheets of black paper or cardstockR . . .

Art with Alyssa: Star Wars Themed Art Projects

These fun Star Wars-inspired art projects require just paint, cardboard, egg cartons and a little imagination to create three-dimensional portraits of Baby Yoda, Boba Fett and BB-8. They serve as wh . . .

Mother's Day Mason Jars

Show mom how much she is appreciated this Mother’s Day with a decorated mason jar full of love! Supplies Empty mason jar with lid Scraps of colored/patterned paper Pieces of ribbon or strin . . .

Mother's Memory Book

Make Mom extra happy this Mother's Day with the gift of photos, messages and mementos organized into one handmade book from the kids. Supplies: Kids’ school papers, letters, artwork, cards, etc.2 . . .

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

Marble painting is a great art project that encourages eye-hand coordination and muscle control. It’s fun to experiment with different colors and designs and it’s easy to adapt the project . . .

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Create beautiful outdoor art using homemade paintbrushes from plants and items found in nature.Tips for Teachers/ParentsTeach children to respect living plants and only use found or discarded flower . . .

Raindrop Drip Painting

We don’t know many kids who can resist jumping in rain puddles. And since we don’t get rain puddles too often in San Diego, it’s a particularly unique and special activity! Why not commemorate . . .