When summer hits and kids start saying “I’m bored,” I look at the pile of cardboard tubes near the trash. That’s when toilet paper roll crafts for 4th of july suddenly feel genius. Cheap. Easy.
And honestly, a little messy fun never hurt anyone, right? These ideas mix simple recycled art with red, white, and blue vibes.
Think Usa crafts for kids, think glue on fingers, think glitter everywhere. I haven’t personally made these yet, but I carefully broke down each step so you can confidently create them at home.
Let’s roll into it.
1. Cardboard Tube Firecracker Poppers
What you need:
- Empty toilet paper roll
- Red and blue acrylic paint
- White construction paper
- Tissue paper (red & blue)
- Glue
- Scissors
- Silver glitter (optional)
Steps:
- Paint the entire tube red. Let it dry completely. Don’t rush it or paint will smudge everywhere.
- Cut a strip of white construction paper and wrap it around the middle. Glue it flat.
- Draw small blue stars on the white strip.
- Cut thin strips of tissue paper, about 6 inches long.
- Glue the tissue strips inside one end so they burst out like fireworks.
Let it dry fully before touching. It look messy if handled too soon.
2. American Flag Windsock Tube
What you need:
- Toilet paper roll
- Blue paint
- Red and white construction paper strips
- White star stickers or hand-drawn stars
- Yarn
Instructions:
- Paint the tube white. Let dry.
- Glue alternating red and white strips vertically around the tube.
- Paint a blue square in the top corner and add white stars.
- Punch two holes at the top and tie yarn to hang.
- Tape long red and white paper strips inside bottom for movement.
Hang it outside and watch it move. It almost feels like a mini American Flag Windsock.
3. Star Stamp Tube Art
Who knew tubes can become stamps?
What you need:
- Cardboard roll
- Scissors
- Paint (red, white, blue)
- Thick paper
Steps:
- Pinch the tube into a star shape. Press firmly along 5 edges.
- Dip edges into paint.
- Stamp repeatedly on paper to create fireworks patterns.
It is simple but looks impressive. Kids love repeating patterns.
Great for Construction Paper 4th Of July Crafts wall art.
4. Bald Eagle Tube Buddy
What you need:
- Brown paint
- White paper
- Yellow paper
- Glue
- Black marker
Steps:
- Paint tube brown.
- Cut white oval for face and glue near top.
- Add yellow triangle beak.
- Draw eyes with marker.
- Cut wings from brown paper and glue on sides.
Is it realistic? Not really. Is it cute? Very.
This fits beautifully into Usa crafts for kids themed decor.
5. Red White Blue Rocket
What you need:
- Tube
- Red, white, blue paint
- Cardstock for cone top
- Tissue strips
Instructions:
- Paint tube blue.
- Add white stars randomly.
- Roll red cardstock into cone and glue on top.
- Add red and white tissue strips at bottom.
Let it dry fully or cone will collapse, trust me.
This one reminds me of Toilet Paper Roll Crafts 4th Of July classroom displays.
6. Mini Patriotic Windsock
What you need:
- Tube
- Blue paint
- Star stickers
- Red ribbon strips
Instructions:
- Paint entire tube blue.
- Add star stickers all around.
- Glue ribbon strips inside bottom.
- Attach string for hanging.
It’s basically a smaller Patriotic Windsock that sways beautifully.
7. Liberty Bell Tube
What you need:
- Tube
- Metallic grey paint
- Black marker
- String
Steps:
- Paint tube grey.
- Draw crack line down front.
- Punch hole and tie string inside as clapper.
Paint might drip if too thick, so keep layers thin.
8. Patriotic Flower Stamp Tubes
What you need:
- 5 toilet paper rolls
- Tape
- Paint
- Paper
Instructions:
- Flatten each tube slightly.
- Arrange in circle and tape together.
- Dip into red or blue paint.
- Stamp onto white sheet.
Layer colors for depth. It may look chaotic at first but dries beautifully.
9. Uncle Sam Hat Tube
What you need:
- Tube
- Red and white stripes paper
- Blue circle base
- Stars
Instructions:
- Wrap striped paper around tube.
- Cut blue circle for brim and glue under tube.
- Add white stars.
Let dry flat so brim doesn’t bend.
10. Toilet Paper Roll Windsock Sparkle Edition
Let’s add shimmer.
What you need:
- Tube
- Glitter glue
- Red, white, blue streamers
- String
Instructions:
- Paint tube white.
- Add glitter glue patterns.
- Glue streamers inside bottom.
- Tie string for hanging.
This version feels like upgraded toilet paper roll windsock decor.
Glitter will get everywhere. It is unavoidable.
11. Firework Explosion Wall Art
What you need:
- Tube cut into fringes
- Paint
- Large paper
Instructions:
- Cut small slits around one end.
- Bend strips outward.
- Dip into paint.
- Press firmly onto paper and twist slightly.
Layer multiple colors for dramatic fireworks effect.
Kids may press too hard, but that’s okay.
12. Red White Blue Crown
What you need:
- 3 to 4 tubes
- Stapler
- Paint
- Star stickers
Steps:
- Cut tubes open lengthwise.
- Staple together into long strip.
- Trim top into zigzag crown shape.
- Paint in patriotic colors.
- Add stars once dry.
Measure head before stapling fully. Otherwise it wont fit.
Final Thoughts
There’s something powerful about turning everyday trash into patriotic decor.
Toilet paper roll crafts for 4th of july teach kids creativity without expensive supplies. That matters.
Recycled art builds problem-solving skills quietly, and honestly, it teaches resourcefulness better than fancy kits.
Even simple projects like a patriotic windsock or American flag windsock carry meaning when kids understand why they’re celebrating.
Try mixing these with construction paper to create a full red, white, and blue display. Imperfect crafts tell better stories anyway.
