This is a fun craft for the 4^th of July using red, white and blue paints, or for holidays or anytime using other colors of paint. Fun as a take-home at birthdays!

What you need:

• Clear 60-watt light bulbs or white 60-watt bulbs
• Glass paints – check label for product that can withstand heat. The heat causes paint to cure to stick better.
• Brushes
• Craft knife
• Styrofoam cups for holders
• Stickers (optional)

What to do:

• Make a holder for your bulb while painting, by cutting an "X" on the bottom of an inverted Styrofoam cup.
• Place bulb through "X" to hold securely while painting.
• On a piece of foil, place your colors.
• Brush stripes, dots, designs freehand.
• Let dry 24hours to cure, then put in a light socket (with parental help) to see your colors and patterns on the walls and ceilings.
• Make the red, white and blue for your porch bulbs!

4^th of July Bubble Wands

 What you need:

• 18 gauge wire
• Beads
• Wire cutter (or old scissors)
• Bubble solution

What to do:

• Cut wire about 14" – 16" for small bubbles, longer for bigger bubbles
• Bend wire so ends meet, but do not fold because you will need to wrap middle around a round shape.
• When finished wrapping, twist wire to hold shape a couple of times (you can do this twice or more to make a multiple wand)
• With the wire remaining, add your red, white and blue beads. You can shape the wire into anything you like, butterflies, bugs, etc.
• Twist ends to secure beads.
• Now celebrate the 4^th of July blowing bubbles until the fireworks start!

*Extra fun: Make a small bubble wand you can wear around your neck!

What you’ll need:

• Clear film canister (ask at your drugstore film processing to give you a few!)
• Wire
• Wire cutters or scissors
• Acrylic paints
• Bubble solution
• Beads

What to do:

• Cut about 6" of wire and wrap one end around a small round top; twist to secure.
• Poke hole in center of top of film canister.
• Add your want measuring and adding a twist in the wire so that the top sits back from the round shape (see picture).
• Add beads and leave loop at the end of wand so that you can tie a piece of yarn to wear around your neck. Make sure it is long enough for you to be able to comfortably blow bubbles.
• Add bubble solution to bottom of canister, then snap on lid with wand that is tied to your necklace.

• When you feel the need to blow bubbles, just undo the lid and celebrate!