4th of July Crafts and Activities for Kids - Patriotic Parade Batons
Are you and your family enjoying a town Fourth of July parade?
Make and take these batons to show your colors!


You'll need:
1/2 inch wood dowel cut 18 inches long
Red, white, blue or silver spray paint
glitter glue
red, white and blue ribbon
red, white and blue chenille stems (pipe cleaners)
Optional; add jingle bells (craft store) to the chenille stems and
plastic pony beads to the ribbons.

Spray paint the wood dowels (grown-up job). When they are dry apply
the glitter glue with  sponge. You don't want too much glitter, as it will make holding the baton a messy prospect.

Attach the chenille stems to the dowel and twist to secure.
A dab of glue placed on the dowel first will add extra security. Pull the pieces upward so that that they create a "spray" on top of the baton.
Then create the coil using a fat marker or your fingers. If you are adding bells do so first, then make the coil.

Tie several strips of ribbon around where you attached the foil garland.
Three pieces of ribbon in a variety of colors, makes a patriotic display.
You may want to add a dab of glue to the dowel, before tying the ribbons.