Get patriotic, and crafty, this Fourth of July with a red, white and blue flag art activity. Whether you’re looking for a way to keep the kids entertained during an Independence Day party or your child is always asking to do anything that’s artsy, this activity is a hands-on way to explore an array of awesome processes.
Multi-Media Art
Don’t let the word “multi-media” scare you. It may sound like something that a college art student might make, but it just means that your kiddo will use multiple materials/processes.
Why use more than one art material or process? There are plenty of times when just one is enough. But, sometimes your child may want to explore and experiment with a few different ways of getting artsy. This lets her use her imagination, problem-solve and think about different ways to use the materials.
When it comes down to it, a multi-media kids’ craft is the perfect way to learn that there isn’t just one way to draw, paint, collage, sculpt or use any other art process.
Flag Craft
You may have seen multi-media made by pros at the art museum or a local gallery. It may have looked abstract and kind of contemporary. Yes, some multi-media art is abstract. But, not all of it. This activity asks your child to create a flag.
Does this flag have to look identical to the real deal? No. It could look abstract – if your child chooses. Or, it can look more realistic.
They key point is to get the red, white and blue stars and stripes. Beyond that your child can celebrate the symbol of her country as artistically as she wants.
Learning and Development
- Using multiple art processes
- Problem-solving
- Fine motor—eye-hand coordination, grip, dexterity
- Color identification and recognition
- Sensory exploration—sight and touch/texture
Art Materials
Choose items that are red, white and blue.
- White and red craft felt
- Scissors
- Card stock or construction paper
- Clear-drying school glue
- Glitter
- Tempera paint
- Tissue paper
- Modeling clay
How-To Steps
- Place a piece of white craft felt onto the work surface.
- Cut seven stripes from the red felt.
- Glue the red stripes to the white craft felt, leaving spaces in between.
- Cut a blue rectangle. Use blue paper, tissue or felt.
- Glue the rectangle to the top left of the craft felt stripes.
- Collage over the blue area with more paper or tissue. Your child can also add some of the tissue paper collage over the stripes.
- Pour red, white and blue paint onto a piece of cardboard or wax paper. Your child can dip her finger in the paint and finger print stars on the blue area, add to the stripes or create paint prints around the border of the flag.
- Add glitter stars or glitter on top of painted stars. Your child can drizzle or paint glue over the blue rectangle and then sprinkle the glitter on top.
- Embellish the frame. If your child has already finger painted the area she can also add tissue paper with glue or “finger paint” with clay. Smooth dime-sized clay pieces onto the felt, using the same motion that finger painting requires.
Activity Extensions
These materials are a basic guideline. You can add other arts and crafts items that you have at home and want to use. Let your child get creative and figure out how to incorporate them.
Are you looking for more art activities? Check out these toddler and preschooler-friendly ideas.
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