Glitter and glue are what give this craft its magical sparkle. Glitter glue pens can be used as well if time is an issue.
2-oz. jars of red, white, blue, green, yellow glitter
Flat-bottomed coffee filters
9- by 12-in. sheets of black or dark blue construction paper
Non-toxic glue
Plastic spoons
Inexpensive fan brush
Child-safety scissors (optional)
Popsicle sticks (optional)
Glitter pens (optional)
Step 1
Cover the work area and floor with an old sheet or brown packing paper. This will make for an easier cleanup.
Pour glitter into individual coffee filters and place them (and several spoons for each color) in the center of the work area. Kids will use these to sprinkle the glitter onto their craft.
Step 2
Pass out sheets of black or dark blue construction paper; this will serve as the sky for their fireworks.
Step 3
Show the children how to squeeze lines of non-toxic glue into patterns to create their fireworks. Kids can make one big design on their paper, or they can fill the page with different-sized shapes and designs.
Step 4
To add color, kids should use spoons to scoop glitter from the coffee filters and sprinkle it onto the glue designs. Kids can also sprinkle glitter directly from the coffee filter onto their glue design, but only with your help, to avoid spillage.
Once all glue patterns are covered with glitter, set aside to dry for at least an hour, or until the glue has dried (the glue is dry when it's translucent and no longer white).
Step 5
To reveal the colorful firework designs, have each child shake their page over the sheeted or papered table. Any glitter which didn't adhere to the glue should fall off. Use the fan brush (which you can find in the paint department of an art-supply store) to help kids gently brush away any excess glitter.
Glitter pens can be used in the place of regular glitter, if you want to minimize drying and cleanup time.
Step 6
To create fun party decorations, have kids can cut around their design in a circular shape.
Step 7
Pass out the popsicle sticks and let kids glue the cut out pieces to the sticks.
When the glue dries, kids can wave them at the local parade, or you can use them to decorate your July 4th party table!
