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
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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.
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