What began as a simple craft project quickly transformed into a powerful journey of remembrance and gratitude.
This Memorial Day, I decided to create more than just a decoration, I crafted a tribute that would spark conversations and honor heroes.
Let’s take a quick look at the list of things required for this memorial day popsicle stick craft for kids.
Step 1: Things You’ll Need For Memorial Day Popsicle Stick Craft
- Popsicle Sticks: You’ll need popsicle sticks to craft a frame like structure as the base. The popsicle sticks can vary in size, ranging from standard dimensions to slightly larger ones.
- Colors and Paintbrush: I have used blue, red, and white acrylic paint to shade the popsicle sticks, however, you can also use watercolors and shade them with a paintbrush.
- Glue: For sticking the popsicle sticks together, you can opt for a hot glue gun or a versatile multipurpose glue.
- Crepe paper & Scissor: I have used a scissor to cut a strip of crepe paper to decorate the popsicle sticks frame.
- Double sided tape or a string of yarn: For mounting the Memorial Day structure, you have the option of using either double-sided tape or a length of yarn.
- Estimated Time taken to make the Memorial Day Special Frame: It took 15 minutes for me to make the memorial day special frame which includes the drying time of paint and glue.
Estimated Time taken to make the Memorial Day Special Frame: It took 15 minutes for me to make the memorial day special frame which includes the drying time of paint and glue.
Step 2: Painting the Sticks
I started by coloring the popsicle sticks according to my design.
I chose 9 popsicle sticks and decided to paint 4 in red, 3 in white, and 2 in blue.
Using my set of paintbrushes, I used three brushes for each color, ensuring to clean them thoroughly between applications if using a single brush.
As shown in image 2.2 above, I painted the popsicle sticks with white, blue and red acrylic paint and left them to dry.
Step 3: Preparing the Base Frame
After the popsicle sticks had dried, I began aligning them to create the base frame of the craft.
I arranged the two blue popsicle sticks to form the base, following the layout shown in the images above.
Next, I arranged the 4 red and 3 white popsicle sticks over the blue ones in an alternating pattern.
I started by placing a red stick followed by a white one, and continued this sequence.
To stick the popsicle sticks together, you can either use a hot glue gun for a quicker bond or a multipurpose glue if involving small children.
After applying the glue, I left it aside to dry for about 10 minutes, especially since I used a multipurpose glue.
Step 4: Decorating the Base Frame
While the glue was drying, I cut star shapes from white and blue papers to decorate the frame.
I also used small silver circles, cut from silver glitter paper using a hole punch.
Alternatively, you can use beads, pom poms, or other decorative items as you like.
Finally, I stuck the circles and star shapes onto the frame.
Step 5: Applying The Final Touch Up To Our Memorial Day Craft
To decorate the bottom of the frame further, I incorporated a strip of purple crepe paper as an additional decoration.
Then, I rolled the strip and cut it with scissors from one end followed by applying the glue to the bottom edges of the frame to attach the crepe paper strip.
Finally, I mounted the Memorial Day decor frame in my living space using a woolen thread, adding a vibrant touch, as shown in the image above.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I’d recommend incorporating more meaningful elements, such as adding a small photograph or name of a fallen hero to personalize the frame.
This addition could elevate it from a mere decorative piece to a heartfelt tribute.
I’d also suggest exploring alternative materials like recycled items to make the project more eco-friendly.
Consider involving children in discussions about the significance of Memorial Day while crafting, turning it into an educational experience.
Perhaps we could create multiple frames to form a collective display in community spaces, fostering a sense of shared remembrance.
Ultimately, this project offers a tangible way to honor those who’ve sacrificed for our freedom, and I believe it has the potential to spark important conversations and deepen our appreciation for veterans and their families.
Note: I have also uploaded a complete video walkthrough of this Memorial Day Special Popsicle Stick Craft on our official YouTube channel.
