The Best Fourth Of July Craft: American Flag Wands

April 30, 2026

These American flag wands are a fun and unique Fourth of July craft for kids. Instead of giving young kids dangerous sparklers or firecrackers, opt for these DIY wands instead. Made with three budget-friendly supplies, these American flag wands will be a hit at your Fourth of July celebration!

an American flag wand fourth of july craft that uses string tied around a dowel and a star button

So, f you’re looking for Fourth of July crafts for kids, patriotic crafts for kids, Fourth of July wands, or even Memorial Day crafts for kids, this is a great craft to try! These American flag wands are great paired with this toilet paper roll firecracker stamp art and this firecracker rocket craft. These crafts are sure to get kids excited about celebrating Independence Day! Plus, you can make this firecracker fudge that pops in your mouth and these patriotic American Flag cookies for sweet treats while you craft!

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Close-up of blue and red ribbon spools with star-shaped confetti scattered on a white surface and wooden sticks nearby.

What You’ll Need For This Fourth Of July Craft

  • Wooden dowel
  • Star button
  • Red, white, and blue ribbon (cut into strips)
  • Glue (hot glue or strong craft glue) with supervision
  • Scissors

How To Make These American Flag Wands

1. Add the Star: Glue a star button to the top end of the wooden dowel. Let it dry completely.

a blue star button glued on to a dowel

2. Start with Blue: Tie several strips of blue ribbon around the top of the dowel, just under the star. Double knot to keep them secure.

Blue star-shaped button with blue ribbons tied to a light wooden stick on a white surface.

3. Add Red & White: Continue tying ribbon strips, alternating red and white as you go down the dowel.

Blue star button attached to a dowel with with blue, red, and white ribbons on a light background.

4. Fill It In: Keep adding ribbons until the wand looks full and festive.

5. Trim if Needed: Even out the ribbon ends or leave them long.

    Variations For This Fourth of July Craft

     American flag wands fourth of july craft that uses string tied around a dowel and a star button

    Ribbon Options:

    • Curling ribbon instead of flat ribbon for a curlicue effect when you wave it
    • Tulle strips instead of ribbon for a more whimsical, fairy wand feel
    • Crepe paper streamers are cheaper and great for classroom sets
    • Fabric strips cut from old t-shirts are a zero-waste version
    • Tinsel/mylar ribbon mixed in with regular ribbon adds a sparkle effect

    Dowel Options:

    • Use a pencil instead of a dowel for a festive “wand” that writes
    • Use a chopstick for a budget-friendly version
    • Try a paper straw for an eco-friendly toddler-safe version
    • Paint or add glitter to the dowel instead of plain wood

    Books To Pair With This Fourth of July Craft

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    04/29/2026 06:06 pm GMT
    We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
    04/29/2026 06:06 pm GMT
    We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
    04/29/2026 06:06 pm GMT
    We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
    04/29/2026 06:06 pm GMT
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    an American flag wand fourth of july craft that uses string tied around a dowel and a star button

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    The Best Fourth Of July Craft: American Flag Wands

    Recipe by stacie

    This American Flag Wand is a fun and unique Fourth of July craft for kids. Made with 3 simple materials, kids can wave their wands around on July 4th without any dangerous sparklers.


    • Total Time15

    Materials

         Wooden dowel

         Star button

         Red, white, and blue ribbon (cut into strips)

         Glue (hot glue or strong craft glue)

         Scissors


    Instructions

    1.   Add the Star: Glue a star button to the top end of the wooden dowel. Let it dry completely.

    2.   Start with Blue: Tie several strips of blue ribbon around the top of the dowel, just under the star. Double knot to keep them secure.

    3.   Add Red & White: Continue tying ribbon strips, alternating red and white as you go down the dowel.

    4.   Fill It In: Keep adding ribbons until the wand looks full and festive.

    5.   Trim if Needed: Even out the ribbon ends or leave them long.

    • Prep Time: 5
    • Category: Crafts, DIY, Fourth of July
    • Method: Step-by-Step
    author avatar
    stacie
    Stacie is a former first grade teacher who loves to share educational activities to help kids learn, grow, and develop! She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Child Development with a focus on Mental Health.

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