4th of July Firework Art for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Getting ready for the 4th of July and looking for a simple and easy art activity to do with your toddlers and preschoolers? Then these ever so simple cardboard tube printed fireworks are ideal. With red, white and blue paint and a little glittery sparkle, your little ones will love to do this simple art activity which would be perfect to make some placemats for your family get-together or to display for your Independence Day Celebrations. So here you go a simple and fun Patriotic Firework Art for Toddlers and Preschoolers to do.
Independence Day Art for Toddlers
A couple of years ago we made some fun cookie-cutter placemats for Independence day with our toddlers to celebrate. But this year, we’ve decided to create some fun fireworks art with them.
Using the inside of toilet paper rolls we can create a simple firework shape which is great for toddlers to print. I’ve included some tips below to get these to print “properly” so that all of it can be seen. But, don’t worry you’re preschoolers and toddlers will have fun printing these out and creating LOTS of firework pictures for you.
Cardboard Tube Firework Art for Preschoolers
Whether you use our idea for 4th of July with patriotic red, white and blue or you create a bright and colourful fireworks picture for Bonfire Night in the UK then the steps are the same.
You’re going to need to do a little prep ahead to prepare for your little ones to start creating. So carry on reading, I’ve divided the instructions up into your prep and supporting your little ones to get arty for Independence day.
Materials Needed for 4th of July Fireworks Picture for Toddlers and Preschoolers
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- toilet paper roll or half of a larger kitchen paper tube
- red craft paint – I like this brand of paint for using with my toddlers and preschoolers
- blue craft paint
- paintbrushes – I stock up on these sets for all of our art and crafts with the little ones and even the big kids use them especially for watercolour painting
- white cardstock paper
- Scissors
- paper plate or washable plate – a paper plate can easily be disposed but if you don’t mind washing up then buy a cheap set of plates and use them time and time again.
Optional
- red glitter – this set although for nail art is great for kids crafts as well remember that a little goes a very long way!
- blue glitter
Prep Needed for Making Cardboard Tube Fireworks with Kids
We all know that little kids can be impatient so here’s some preparation for you to do ahead of getting your toddlers and preschoolers to the art area.
1. Take your cardboard tube and make small cuts up to about halfway all around the bottom of the roll.
2. Gently push the cuts outward until they lay almost flat on a surface.
Repeat this step on another toilet paper roll.
You will need at least 2 toilet paper rolls cut for the fireworks 1 for the red and one for the blue. If you are crafting with more than one child I suggest you prepare ahead of time.
Prepare you paint ahead of time as well, pour the paint onto the plate and then spread out as evenly as you can. This will make it easier for your little ones to get a good print.
How to Make 4th of July Fireworks Art with Your Toddlers and Preschoolers
1. Dip the cardboard tube into the paint.
2. Then gently press the painted toilet paper roll down onto the white card.
3. List it off the page and repeat with the same colour.
Optional
Pour a small amount of glitter of the same colour as the paint over the wet paint and then shake off the glitter.
Now repeat steps 1 to 3 with the other paint colour with a new toilet paper roll.
4th of July Printable Games and Activities for Kids only $5
A printable activity set of fun and games for kids to celebrate the 4th of July.
Tips for Getting the Best Fireworks Prints
If you want to make sure you have some really vivid prints then follow these tips.
1. When you did the tube into the paint use the end of the paintbrush or your finger and gently press down on each of the strips into the paint so that they are fully covered.
2. As you press down the painted strips from the cardboard tube onto the card use the same method to create the best print possible.
More 4th of July Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- 4th of July Playdough Invitation for Kids
- Independence Day Placemat Craft for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Free Printable 4th of July Bingo for family fun
4th of July Fireworks Art for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Equipment Needed
- Pair of Scissors
- Plates for paint
- Paint brush
Materials Needed
- Washable paint red and blue
- White card
- Cardboard tubes toilet paper or kitchen paper insides are great
Optional
- Glitter red and blue
Instructions
Preparation
- Take your cardboard tube and make small cuts up to about halfway all around the bottom of the roll.
- Gently push the cuts outward until they lay almost flat on a surface. Repeat this step on another toilet paper roll.
- Pour your paint onto plates and spread evenly around
4th of July Fireworks Art with Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Gently press the splayed cardboard tube into the paint
- Remove and place onto card to create a print that looks like an exploding firework.
- Repeat multiple times then swap tubes and a different colour
Optional
- Before swapping colours gently sprinkle a little glitter over the wet paint
- Shake off
- Repeat once the second colour has been applied