EASY Patriotic Cardboard Tube Bracelet or Band

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CARDBOARD TUBE BRACELET and BANDS CRAFT for KIDS!

The Patriotic Bracelet Craft is an EASY project for any Patriotic holiday! If you reside outside of the United States, the bracelets can be customized with any colors and decorations desired. The bands are not only fun to make, but even young children can create (almost) independently!

Materials needed: Acrylic or Tempera Paint, Empty Cardboard Tubes, Scissors, Paint Smocks (or old T-Shirts), Paint Trays, Paper Plates, Paintbrushes, Assorted Patriotic Decorations (stickers, stars, stamps, etc.), a hole punch, poster putty, and yarn/ribbon.

Invite the children to create by placing all the supplies out on a table or a large tray. Have the children begin at the top of an empty cardboard tube and cut strips (going around the tube) of cardboard that are approximately one inch wide (younger children will need assistance with cutting). One cardboard tube will make 2-3 bracelets/bands.

Have the children place two pieces of poster putty or tape under the ends of the cardboard strip and press onto a paper plate (it will keep the cardboard strips flat while painting).

Place small amounts of the desired paint on a paper plate or paint tray. If using non-washable paint, make sure the children wear an old T-Shirt or paint smock to protect their clothing. Have the children paint the entire cardboard strip and allow to thoroughly dry.

When the painted cardboard strips are dry, have the children hole punch each end and thread a piece of yarn or Patriotic ribbon through the hole. The ribbon/yarn will tie the bands to their wrists. The children can decorate their bands with assorted flag stickers, stamps, stars, or other Patriotic items.