Three ways to make fireworks

Yet again July 4th is round the corner, and it’s time to celebrate Independence Day. Not for me, you understand, since I am very much still part of the Commonwealth, but in recognition of Uncle Neal, who is in America, with Aunty Britt and cousins Leo and Isabel. It’s great that we can do crafts here in the UK to make the connection with our fanily across the pond stronger.

So here are three great ways that we have used to make fireworks.

1. Felt-tip pen flicking. This could not be easier, and is a great way of creating art for even the youngest children. You need a box of felt-tipped pens/markers and a cup of water. Dip the pen nibs into the water and then flick across the paper. It really is that easy, and  is perfect for non-crafters.

2. Splodge painting. We made splodge paintings last year and have been making them again this weekend. Take your paints and dribble them (Our paint bottles have lids like ketchup bottles so it’s easy for my children just to dribble them as they are) across the page- you can consciously make them look like fireworks or just do what you fancy. Then lay another paper across the top and press down. Peel apart and leave to dry. Voila: exploded fireworks.

3. spinning wheel: this is definitely a craft for older children since you need dexterity and to use a craft knife or scissors. Take two circles of black card- or paper plates if you can get them. Divide each wheel into six equal segments. On the top circle, use three of those segments- leave the others blank- to design and cut out some exploded firework designs (I used a craft knife!). On the corresponding circle, decorate three segments with colourful paper- glitter card, wrapping paper, some of the art you’ve already mad, neon card. Then fit the two cards together: I didn’t have any of those split pins so used a drawing/push pin and a large lump of Blu-Tack on the reverse. If you spin the top card now, it should rotate and give you exploding fireworks!