Make DIY Ribbon Wands for the 4th of July
Make these easy DIY ribbon wands for the 4th of July. They are the easiest Independence Day craft for the home and the kids will have so much fun making them look like the American flag.
This ribbon flag craft can double as a walkway or driveway decoration, making it pull double-duty. And if you’re celebrating, ribbon wands are a great alternative to throwing confetti. All of that makes this a win for a 15 minute summer craft idea!
RELATED READING: July 4th Book Stack DIY – This Dollar Tree Craft is Adorable
Ribbon Flag Wands
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, we love a BBQ on July 4th (and the July 4th desserts, of course). And all of the kids in the family love to get in on the fun by making crafts with me to decorate and celebrate.
This year, the little ones learned how to make ribbon wands that look like the American flag. They were easy and the kids really got into them! DIY ribbon wands are great to jazz up a party table, line a walkway, or the driveway.
If you’re in the gathering ideas stage for your party, save this to your favorite 4th of July crafts pin board or share it to Facebook. Either way, it will be easy to find when you’re ready to begin.
RELATED READING: Marshmallow Launchers for Independence Day – SO FUN!
Tips to Make a Ribbon Wand for July 4th
- To ensure the ribbons don’t fray, you can use Fray Check or use a lighter to burn the ends slightly.
- Although I used 1/4-inch round wooden dowels, you can use any size. Don’t choose too thick of a dowel because the ribbon won’t stay on.
- If you’re worried about the wind (or vigorous usage by little hands), add a bit of glue to the base of each ribbon (on the dowel side under the knot) to secure them.
- Tie on one ribbon at a time and slide them close together (but not scrunched up).
- Balloon sticks from the dollar stores can be used for this easy craft idea, as well. Use thinner ribbon, however, because they don’t stand up to a lot of weight.
RELATED READING: Mickey and Minnie 4th of July Rock Painting Ideas
More July 4th Crafts and Treats You Might Like
- DIY Marshmallow Launchers – If the kids need something else fun to do (when do they not need something else fun to do) let’s get ’em launching!
- Paper Fireworks – Perfect for kids who get spooked by the loud noises of fireworks!
- Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes – Absolutely awesome snack for the post-July 4th BBQ fireworks-watching experience.
- Easy (I Mean EASY) Candy Flag Cupcakes – These 4th of July cupcakes are so easy, the kids can make the flags all on their own.
- 4TH of July Treat Jar (Dollar Tree DIY) – These are TOO cute (and super simple) to share candy or use as a wand or sparklers holder.
Please Save or Share This Independence Day Craft Idea
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How to Make DIY Ribbon Flag Wands
Below is our written tutorial for these wands. And if you’re making a July 4th craft ideas playlist on YouTube, here is our ribbon flag wands video tutorial.
Ribbon Flag Wands
If you're looking for a fun craft that will give the kids HOURS of fun (literally), then make these easy ribbon flag wands for the 4th of July. They are literally the easiest ever and the kids will have so much fun.
Materials
- 12-18” Wooden dowels, 1/4-inch wide (or balloon sticks - see notes)
- Craft paint in blue and white
- 1/2” Satin ribbon in blue, red and white
Tools
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Paint brush
Instructions
- Paint three-quarters of the dowel and let dry.
- Allow ribbon flag wands to dry fully. Use a mason jar or a piece of floral foam to stick them in while they dry.
- Paint stars or starbursts on top of the blue paint, if desired.
- Cut all of the ribbons into 20” strips. We used 3 blue, 3 red, and 2 white for each of our flag wands.
- Fold one of the blue ribbons in half and loop it around the end of the wand that doesn’t have the stars.
- Repeat folding and wrapping the blue ribbons a couple more times and then alternate between red and white all the way down the dowel to the painted portion.
- Optional: To secure in place, tighten each ribbon and use the hot glue gun to place a drop of glue at the inside knot of the ribbon, against the wand.
Notes
Thinner ribbon can work for this project, as well, it will just require more strips.
Balloon sticks from dollar stores are another great option for this project (and they bend, making them a bit better for very young kids). They can be flimsy with too much weight added, so it's best to use 1/8" ribbon.
Those are darling and look so fun! How do you keep the satin ribbon from fraying?
To keep the ribbon from fraying, burn the edges slightly. Just hold the flame near the cut portion and it will melt together. ;)