Independence Day is a classic American holiday with something for everyone. Who doesn’t like cookouts, sunshine, swimming pools, and fireworks? If you’re throwing a patriotic party, one thing you’ll definitely need are some fun, colorful 4th of July decorations. 

You can always buy your decorations, but making them at home can be a fun and creative activity for the whole family! To help get you started, NSA Storage gathered seven DIY 4th of July decorations you can make at home.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Unless you already have the tools and supplies, you’ll need a few to make your 4th of July decorations. Here’s a quick list to take with you to your favorite DIY store:

• Scissors
• Glue gun
• Elmer’s glue
• Construction paper or heavy card stock
• Red, white, and blue paint
• Magic markers
• String
• Jars
• Plates and cups
• Cycle sticks
• Toilet paper rolls
• Scotch tape
• Old T-shirts
• Star stickers
• Ribbons
• Glitter

7 DIY 4th of July Decorations

1. Mason Jar Centerpieces

Our first DIY decoration can hold flowers, glow sticks, small flags, and more! Not only are they charming but they add a festive look to any 4th of July picnic table! Here’s how to make them:

1. Wash and dry some old mason jars.
2. Paint the mason jars with stripes and red, white, and blue and let dry.
3. Add some star stickers.
4. Tie some twine around the top of the mason jars.
5. Filled with flowers, small flags, plastic silverware, sparklers, etc.

2. Patriotic Paper Lanterns

Easy to make, these paper lanterns are colorful, decorative, and ready to hang around your porch, patio, or deck.

1. Take a medium size sheet of red or blue construction paper and fold it in half lengthwise.
2. Cut even slits across the fold, leaving 1 inch uncut at one edge.
3. Unfold the sheet of paper and roll it into a tube. (The top is the uncut side.)
4. Glue or tape the two edges of the tube together.
5. Cut a strip of paper and glue it on top as a handle.
6. Decorate your paper lantern with stars, stickers, or glitter.
7. Hang several paper lanterns together on a string.

3. Tie-Dye Patriotic T-Shirts

Tie-dye T-shirts are fun to make and can be proudly worn all summer! Here’s how you do it:

1. Use a plain, white T-shirt
2. Twist and tie the T-shirt in various ways, securing it with rubber bands.
3. Apply red and blue tie-dye paint to the T-shirt in whatever pattern you like. Remember to wear gloves!
4. Leave the T-shirt in a plastic bag for several hours.
5. Rinse your T-shirt, let it dry, and wear it proudly!

4. American Star Garland

Another easy to make DIY 4th of July decoration, this star garland will look beautiful on the fence, doorway, or wherever! Follow the instructions below to make yours:

1. Using red, white, and blue construction paper, cut out several stars from each color.
2. Using a hole punch, punch a hole at the top of each star.
3. String the stars together with string, twine, or ribbon.
4. Hang wherever you need a burst of patriotic color

5. Firework Painted Paper Plates

Your children will love this one! Follow the instructions below for this fun, and easy decoration.

1. Grab a piece of white construction paper.
2. Pour some red and blue paint into 2 small plastic cups.
3. Dip a plastic fork into the red paint.
4. Press the fork onto the construction paper several times in a circular pattern.
5. Do that again with blue paint for a “firework” effect.
6. If you (or the kids) like, add some glitter while the paint is still wet.
7. Hang your firework painted paper plates around the house!

6. Popsicle Stick American Flags

Another DIY decoration the kids will love making! These popsicle stick flags can be used as party favors and table decorations.

1. Using Elmers glue, glue 5 or 6 popsicle sticks together side-by-side to make a rectangle shape.
2. Paint the top left corner of the rectangle blue.
3. Paint the rest of the sticks red and white to match the American flag.
4. After the paint dries, use small star stickers on the blue area.
5. When everything is dry, attach a stick to the back of your “flag”. This can be used as a handle or to stick the flag into a cupcake, or one of your mason jar centerpieces

7. America-Themed Windsocks

You can use these windsocks to decorate your porch or hang in your trees. Follow the instructions below to make a few of them:

1. Start with an empty toilet paper roll.
2. Paint the roll red, white, or blue and let it dry.
3. Cut long strips of red, white, and blue ribbon.
4. Glue or tape the ribbons to the bottom of your painted toilet paper roll.
5. Punch two holes at the top of the roll and add a string.
6. Hang your patriotic windsock around the outside of your home.

Quick Independence Day Decorating Tips

• Keep Things Simple– Don’t over-decorate or make things too ornate. Keep things simple and your kids will stay engaged.
• Add Some Lights– If you have glow sticks or string lights, you can take your 4th of July party to the next level!
• Use Things You Already have at Home– To save more money, use what you have at home already. Leftover craft supplies, old clothing, etc.
• Get the Whole Fam Together to Make Your Decorations– The 4th of July is a very family oriented holiday. With that in mind, be sure to get the entire family together to make your DIY 4th of July decorations!

Store Your Things with NSA Storage this Summer

We hope the instructions and information provided have given you some patriotic food for thought! Making your own 4th of July decorations is fun, easy, and patriotic, no doubt about it!

If you need to rent a storage unit during your summer celebrations, NSA Storage has you covered! You can store party supplies, outdoor summer furniture, and much more in one of our safe, secure storage units. Until then, from everyone here at NSA Storage, we wish you a happy, fun, and safe Independence Day!