Fourth of July !!!

Happy Fourth of July!  The recent droughts have really put a damper on festivities for this special holiday.  Parents and kids a like look forward to fireworks, food, watermelon, Bar B Que, boating and more.  Don't let the lack of the wet stuff "rain" on your celebration with family & friends!

There are many alternative ways to enjoy the 4th!  This is a good time to get pool tags to the local neighborhood pool, hook up a sprinkler for the kids to play in, for never ending fun, buy a Slip N Slide, an inflatable pool, water guns.  (don't forget to share!)

I have known many adults who can enjoy sitting in an inflatable up pool with their kids!  Give them buckets, cups, strainers and let them enjoy the water with you.  (be nice and share!)

Here are some fantastic craft ideas to help entertain children, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, etc....

* Paint a T-Shirt, wooden stars, picture frames, clay flower pot (plant a red/white/blue flower) , canvas bags.
* Make red-white-blue necklaces, bracelets, earrings, flip-flops, hair accessories,
* Canvas painting, let the kids make a mural with finger painting and then let them hang it up!
* How about an apron? (boys & girls) have the children decorate an apron with buttons, paint, ribbon, jewels, appliques, and then.....help them cook red-white-blue cookies, cupcakes, etc...
* Make red-white-blue fruit smoothies  (recipes On Line)
* Play dough; shape into stars, use different "textures" to create fireworks
* Paper and a straw.....place the straw in water based paint and "blow" fireworks on paper/canvas.
* Gather old paper towel rolls, paint them red-white-blue, tape/glue curly ribbon to an end.  Add rice or beans to the inside for their very own Fourth of July Shaker.
* Paint Popsicle sticks red-white-blue, glue them together to make an American Flag
* Pipe cleaner "sparklers"...twist red & blue pipe cleaners together to make a stem/handle, shape/bend white pipe cleaners and add to the top of the stem to create the "sparkler" (buy the metallic pipe cleaners for a more dramatic look)

Tons of ideas!  One last one.....BUBBLES!!! Make your own with food coloring & dish detergent (you know which colors).   All of these crafts are easy to make and inexpensive, use  household items to lower the price.

ENJOY your weekend and have a safe and happy Fourth!