Fourth of July Paper Firecrackers

School has been out for three weeks ’round here and already we’ve a chorus of “I’m bored.” These pronouncements typically come after I’m in the midst of a project. It’s not enough that we have more than 100 ideas in our jar of summer fun and so, I try to come up with companion projects when I can.

We’ve been working toward a fun patriotic celebration recently and I’ve had a little help with the centerpieces – Fourth of July Paper Firecrackers. What kid boy doesn’t love firecrackers?

There are two reasons that the boys love projects like this one. First, it’s easy. So, so easy. Second? It provides them with a reason to chow on Pringles.

The supplies for this project are relatively basic – you may even have them on hand!

Supplies:
Pringles Cans – These come in various sizes. We picked up one of each so that there was some height difference.
Red Paper Straws
Scrapbook Paper – I used Pebbles Americana 12×12 paper
Patriotic Embellishments – I used these Pebbles Americana cardstock shapes, but you could easily cut your own shapes
Red White and Blue Baker’s Twine
Double-Sided Tape
Scissors

For us the first step in the project was actually the hardest – we had to measure the paper and cut a large strip off…Let’s just say some of us can cut in a straight line better than others 🙂

Once the cardstock is cut, it really is smooth sailing. The next step is adding some double-stick tape to adhere it to the Pringles can.

After the double-sided tape is positioned, it’s really just a matter of peel and stick.

***If you’re working on this project with kids, you may want to help them with this step so that the paper starts on the can straight.

This is also the point in the post where I have to make a confession. I don’t know if I have ever truly prepared a tutorial where I photographed EVERY step, even when I tried my best. I neglected a few things here, but really so simple, I think you’ll get the idea.

Poke a small hole in the Pringles can lid. You can use a hole punch on this, but I just used my scissors. Once you’ve got a whole in your lid, pop it on the can and add your “fuse.”

The cans are pretty cute with simply the straw. We tied a few bundles together in groups of three (two tall cans and a smaller can).

Of course, I really couldn’t leave well enough alone and I added a bit of embellishing.

We added flames to the fuse with a bit of crumpled, fringe tissue paper – basically a mini version of these fringed streamers.

After that I tied on a few embellishments with baker’s twine.

With your kids you might want to just provide them with lots of sparkly stickers and maybe some alpha stickers.

The paper firecrackers make great party centerpieces. I think I will fill ours with little confetti poppers and candy for the kids. They also make great patriotic decor though. I’ve added ours to the mantel for the time being.

This is a perfect project for any kid (or kid at heart), but let’s be honest it’s only going to slow down summer boredom for a brief time. To pick up more great summer ideas for kids, boys in particular, you’ve got to check out the Summer Survival Series for Moms of Boys. 

If you’d like a peek at some of the fun, be sure to check out all of the posts. They’re all linked up on one convenient Pinterest board!

Follow The Joys of Boys’s board Summer Survival for Moms of Boys on Pinterest.