Memorial Day is a great time to teach kids about honoring those who have served our country. What better way to do this than with some fun and easy DIY Memorial Day crafts? These projects are not only simple to make, but they also help kids understand the importance of the holiday while keeping them entertained. From colorful decorations to heartfelt thank-you cards, there’s something here for every young crafter to enjoy!
Key Takeaways
- These crafts help kids learn about Memorial Day’s significance.
- Projects can be done with simple materials you probably have at home.
- Crafting can be a fun family activity that fosters creativity.
- These crafts can be made indoors or outdoors, perfect for any setting.
- Kids can express gratitude and respect for veterans through their creations.
1. Pom Pom Bald Eagles
Okay, so, bald eagles are pretty cool, right? And pom poms? Adorable. Let’s combine them for a super easy Memorial Day craft that even the littlest kids can handle. Seriously, if I can do it (and trust me, my crafting skills are questionable), anyone can.
The best part? You probably already have most of the stuff you need lying around.
What you’ll need:
- Brown and white pom poms (big ones are easier for little hands)
- Craft foam (yellow and maybe a bit of red for the beak)
- Googly eyes (because everything is better with googly eyes)
- Glue (hot glue works faster, but regular school glue is safer for the kiddos)
- Scissors
Basically, you glue a white pom pom to a brown pom pom (that’s the head and body). Cut out a little beak from the yellow foam and glue that on. Add googly eyes. Boom. Eagle. You can even add little wings if you’re feeling fancy. These are great for decorations, or just for the kids to play with. Honestly, it’s a win-win.
2. Patriotic Mason Jar Lanterns
Okay, so these are super cute and surprisingly easy. I’m not the craftiest person, but even I managed to make these look pretty decent. Basically, you’re turning plain mason jars into little beacons of red, white, and blue!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mason jars (duh!)
- Red, white, and blue acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes (various sizes are helpful)
- Star stickers (or stencils, if you’re feeling fancy)
- Tea lights or small LED candles
First, clean your mason jars really well. Then, get ready to paint! You can do stripes, solid colors, or even try to paint little flags. The star stickers are great for adding a little something extra. Let the paint dry completely before you peel off the stickers (if you used them). Finally, pop in a tea light or LED candle, and you’ve got yourself a patriotic lantern! These look great on a porch, a table, or even hanging from some string. I made a bunch and lined them up along my walkway – super festive!
3. Handprint Flags
Okay, so this one is super simple and always a hit. You’re basically turning your kid’s handprints into an American flag. How cute is that? Plus, it’s a great way to talk about what the flag represents, even if they’re just smearing paint around.
The best part? It’s a keepsake you’ll treasure forever.
Here’s a basic rundown of how you can make it happen:
- First, grab some non-toxic red, white, and blue paint. Safety first, people!
- Next, get a piece of white construction paper or canvas. Whatever you have lying around.
- Paint your kid’s hand blue and stamp it in the upper left corner for the stars area. Let it dry a bit.
- Then, paint their hand red and make stripes down the rest of the paper. Alternate with white stripes (or just leave the paper showing).
- Let it all dry completely, and boom! Instant patriotic art.
It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s definitely something to hang on the fridge this Memorial Day. You can even add glitter if you’re feeling extra festive (or just want to torture yourself with glitter cleanup later).
4. Memorial Day Wreaths
Okay, so wreaths are like, the classic DIY craft, right? And for Memorial Day, you can totally make one that’s super patriotic. It’s easier than you think, and the result is a festive way to honor the holiday. Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids involved. Let’s get into it.
A Memorial Day wreath is a simple way to show your patriotism.
First, you’ll need a wreath form. You can grab one from any craft store, or even a dollar store. Then, it’s all about the decorations. Think red, white, and blue! Here are some ideas:
- Ribbon: Red, white, and blue ribbon is a must. You can wrap it around the wreath form, or tie it in bows. Get a patriotic wreath to hang on your door.
- Flags: Small American flags are perfect for adding a patriotic touch. You can stick them into the wreath form, or glue them on.
- Stars: Star-shaped cutouts are another great option. You can make them out of paper, felt, or even foam.
- Flowers: Red, white, and blue flowers can add a touch of elegance to your wreath. You can use real flowers, or artificial ones.
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to start crafting! Just arrange the decorations on the wreath form until you’re happy with the way it looks. Then, glue everything in place. And that’s it! You’ve got a beautiful Memorial Day wreath that you can hang on your door or wall. It’s a fun way to show your support for the troops and honor those who have served. You can even make a handprint flag to hang next to it.
5. Thank You Cards for Veterans
Making thank you cards is a really nice way for kids to show their appreciation for veterans. It’s more personal than just saying “thank you,” and it gives them a chance to be creative. Plus, it’s a good way to teach them about why we celebrate Memorial Day in the first place.
You can use all sorts of materials to make these cards. Think construction paper, markers, crayons, glitter (if you’re brave!), and even little bits of fabric or ribbon. The key is to let the kids express themselves and create something heartfelt.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Handmade Memorial Day Cards: Use cardstock in red, white, and blue. Decorate with markers, colored pencils, or watercolors, adding flags, stars, and personal messages.
- Collage Memorial Day Cards: Gather images, photos, and patriotic symbols to create a visual collage on cardstock. This is a great way to tell a story or honor specific veterans.
- Origami Memorial Day Boats: Create origami boats from red, white, or blue paper. Add small paper flags or symbols to toothpick masts. These can be attached to the cards for a 3D effect.
6. Red, White, and Blue Banners
Time to get festive! Making red, white, and blue banners is a super fun way to decorate for Memorial Day, and the kids can totally get involved. It’s way easier than you think, and you can customize them to fit your style. Plus, it’s a great way to show your patriotic spirit!
You can hang these banners indoors or outdoors to add a festive touch to your Memorial Day celebrations.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Simple Fabric Banners: Cut strips of red, white, and blue fabric (felt works great!) and tie them onto a piece of twine. You can even add some star-shaped cutouts for extra flair.
- Paper Chain Banners: Remember making paper chains as a kid? Do the same thing, but use red, white, and blue construction paper. It’s a classic and easy craft.
- Painted Banners: Grab some canvas or even just some thick paper, and let the kids paint their own designs. Stars, stripes, or even just abstract patterns – anything goes! You could even make patriotic windsocks to hang nearby.
7. Star-Spangled Suncatchers
Want to add a touch of patriotic flair to your windows? Star-spangled suncatchers are a fantastic way to celebrate Memorial Day with a craft that’s both fun and visually appealing. These are super easy to make and the kids will love seeing their creations sparkle in the sunlight.
Here’s what you might need:
- Clear contact paper
- Red, white, and blue tissue paper (cut into small squares)
- Star-shaped cookie cutters or stencils
- Scissors
- Glue
- String or ribbon for hanging
To make these, simply cut out star shapes from the contact paper, fill them with colorful tissue paper, and seal them up. Hang them in a sunny spot and watch them glow!
8. DIY Poppy Flowers
Poppy flowers are a powerful symbol of remembrance, and making your own is a meaningful way to honor Memorial Day. This craft is surprisingly simple and a great way to talk to kids about the holiday’s significance.
Here’s a basic approach you can adapt:
- Paper Poppies: Use red crepe paper or cardstock to cut out four-petal shapes. Attach a black button or a small black paper circle in the middle. You can make a bouquet or attach them to pins.
- Handprint Poppies: Have your kids dip their hands in red paint and press them onto paper to create the petals. Add a black center and a green stem.
- Ceramic Poppy Vases: Paint poppy designs onto ceramic vases. This is a longer-term project, but the results are beautiful and can be used year after year.
9. American Flag T-Shirts
Okay, so you want to show off your patriotic spirit? What’s better than wearing it? Making American flag T-shirts is a super fun and easy craft that even the littlest kids can help with. Plus, you get a cool shirt to wear for Memorial Day and beyond!
Here’s what you could do:
- Classic Flag: Grab a plain white or light blue tee. Use fabric paint (red, white, and blue, obviously!) and some stencils to paint stripes and stars. You can find star stencils at most craft stores, or even make your own out of cardboard. Don’t worry too much about perfection – a little bit of a handmade look is part of the charm!
- Tie-Dye Fun: For a more groovy vibe, try tie-dye. There are tons of tie-dye kits available, or you can DIY with dye and rubber bands. Swirl red, white, and blue for a patriotic explosion of color. Just be sure to follow the instructions on your dye to avoid any laundry disasters later.
- Sponge Painting: Cut sponges into star shapes and stripe shapes. Dip them in fabric paint and stamp away on your shirt. This is great for little hands that might not have the steadiest control with a brush. It’s also a fun way to create a more textured look.
I remember one year, my niece went totally overboard with the glitter on her flag shirt. It was a mess to clean up, but she was so proud of it! Just a heads up, glitter and washing machines don’t mix well, haha.
No matter which method you choose, let the paint dry completely before wearing (or washing) your masterpiece. And remember, it’s all about having fun and showing your American pride!
10. Painted Rock Flags
Okay, so this one is super simple and fun. Plus, you can find rocks pretty much anywhere! Painting rock flags is a great way to get the kids involved in a quick and easy Memorial Day craft. It’s also a good way to talk about what the flag represents. You can craft with the family and make it a learning experience too.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Smooth rocks (the flatter, the better)
- Acrylic paints (red, white, blue)
- Paintbrushes
- Clear sealant (optional, but recommended to protect your artwork)
First, wash and dry your rocks. Then, let your creativity flow! You can paint the American flag, or get creative with stars, stripes, or any other patriotic designs. Once the paint is dry, you can add a coat of clear sealant to protect your DIY garden flags from the elements if you plan to display them outside. These painted rocks make great decorations for your garden, porch, or even as paperweights!
Wrapping Up Your Memorial Day Crafts
So there you have it! Ten fun and easy Memorial Day crafts that kids can dive into. These projects not only keep them busy but also help them understand the importance of the day. Whether it’s making a handprint flag or creating a wreath, each craft is a chance to learn and remember. Plus, it’s a great way to bond as a family. So gather your supplies, get creative, and enjoy some quality time together this Memorial Day. Happy crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a holiday in the United States where we remember and honor the people who died while serving in the military.
Why are crafts important for kids on Memorial Day?
Crafts help kids learn about the meaning of Memorial Day in a fun way. They can express their creativity while remembering those who served.
What supplies do I need for these crafts?
Most crafts use simple supplies like paper, glue, markers, and scissors. You might already have these at home!
Can these crafts be done indoors?
Yes! Many of these crafts can easily be done inside, making them perfect for rainy days or when you can’t go outside.
Are these crafts suitable for all ages?
Yes! There are crafts for younger kids as well as more complex ones for older children, so everyone can join in.
How long do these crafts take to complete?
Most of these crafts can be completed in about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the project and the child’s age.
Can I use these crafts for other holidays?
Absolutely! Many of these craft ideas can be adapted for other holidays like the Fourth of July or Veterans Day.
Where can I display the crafts after making them?
You can hang them up at home, use them as decorations for parties, or even give them as gifts to veterans.
