Kids can create a patriotic pal for the Fourth of July! This fun project is great for little ones who will love putting on the oh-so-soft beard made of cotton balls.

Be sure to check out all of our 4th of July crafts, our summer craft selection, our camp crafts, classic crafts and scout crafts!

What you'll need:

How to make it:

1. Cut out all hat pieces using patterns 1 and 2. When tracing the hat stripes, it's okay to make them a little longer than the pattern because you will trim the excess after they are glued on. (See photo.)
2. Color the center circle of the paper plate with a flesh-toned crayon. (See photo.)
3. To assemble the hat, use a glue stick. First, glue the red stripes to the white portion of the hat. (See photo.) Following the pattern, glue on the blue hat band. Add the red hat brim, then glue on the white stars to the band. Finally, trim any excess to make the hat even.
4. Using white glue, press cotton balls all around the outside edges of the plate, two layers at the top (hair) and several more for the beard. All that should be visible is peach colored face. (See photo.)
5. Glue on wiggle eyes and the pom-pom nose. Use a pink crayon to color on cheeks.  (See photo.)
6. Cut the bowtie from red paper, the center tie circle from blue, and a star from white. Assemble the tie using a glue stick.
7. Use white glue to add the hat and the bowtie.
8. Add eyebrows and a mouth with black marker.

Tips:

1. Cotton balls stick very easily to white glue making them a perfect medium for young children.
2. Check the school supply aisle for glue sticks instead of the craft aisle.
3. If you don't have wiggle eyes, use construction paper, craft foam, or just draw the eyes on with a marker.