Discover DIY tips, flag displays, and patriotic decoration ideas for your home, yard, and party.
Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer, it’s a time to remember and honor those who served our country with courage and sacrifice. What better way to teach kids about the meaning of the holiday, decorate your home, and spend quality time with family than with some creative, patriotic crafts?
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or simply want to deck out your home in patriotic decorations, these Memorial Day craft ideas are fun, festive, and family-friendly. Plus, we’ve included four free printable activities to make your crafting even easier!
1. Rag Flag Wall Hanging
What You Need:
- A wooden dowel or stick
- Red, white, and blue fabric scraps (cotton or old t-shirts work great!)
- Twine or string for hanging
Instructions: (full tutorial here)
Cut your fabric into strips about 1" wide and 18" long. Tie the strips around the dowel, alternating red and white for the stripes, using blue fabric on the top left to mimic the flag’s field. You can add small white buttons or stars to the blue section for a finishing touch. Tie twine to the ends of the dowel and hang your rag flag on the front door, mantel, or porch.
Tip: This is a perfect way to upcycle old clothes while showing your patriotic pride!
2. Toilet Paper Roll Fireworks Craft
What You Need:
- Toilet paper roll
- Scissors
- paint (red, white, blue)
- Paper plates
- Construction paper
Instructions: (full tutorial here)
Cut fringe into one end of the toilet paper roll to create a firework "stamp." Gently press the fringe outward so it fans out. Pour paint onto paper plates, dip the fringed roll into the paint, and stamp onto black or navy construction paper. Rotate the roll each time for layered firework bursts!
Great For: Young kids who love to get messy with paint but still want to make something amazing.
3. Ribbon Wreath as Patriotic Decorations
What You Need:
- A wreath - You can use a coffee filter wreath, a boxwood wreath or any basic wreath.
- Red, white, and blue ribbon in various patterns and textures
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun (optional)
Instructions: (full tutorial here)
Cut ribbon into 36 inch strips and then fold them in half mixing colors and patterns. Use twine to tie them in the center and then attach the twine to the back of the wreath, adding some flare to your patriotic decorations for your porch.
Craft Hack: Use wired ribbon for extra volume and structure.
4. Reclaimed Wood USA Star
What You Need:
- Reclaimed wood or pallet wood
- Saw (or pre-cut star shapes from a craft store)
- Sandpaper
- Paint and brushes
- Stencils or vinyl letters
Instructions: (full tutorial here)
Cut the wood into a star shape, or use a pre-cut star for convenience. Sand the surface smooth and paint in patriotic colors. Attach patriotic words or use stencils to add “USA” in bold letters. For a rustic finish, lightly sand over the paint once dry.
Perfect For: Rustic farmhouse decor lovers who want a patriotic touch that lasts beyond Memorial Day.
5. Bonus: 4 Free Printables!
To make your Memorial Day crafting even easier, we’ve created 4 exclusive free printables you can download and use right away:
4 Memorial Day Coloring Sheet – Perfect for kids and adults alike. A fun addition to any party or just something to keep little hands busy!
📥 [Click here to download all 4 printables as a PDF bundle]
Going Out With A Bang
Memorial Day is a time of remembrance and gratitude. These crafts help bring families together to reflect, celebrate, and share in the spirit of the holiday. Whether you're painting fireworks or tying ribbons, every handmade piece is a tribute to those who gave their all.
Memorial Day decorations are perfect for doing double duty as Fourth of July décor, which makes celebrating both holidays even more enjoyable. I love decorating my yard with American flags, star-spangled banners, and festive lights, knowing I can leave them up from Memorial Day through Independence Day. It’s a meaningful way to show respect for those who served while also celebrating the country’s freedom, and it makes using patriotic decorations both simple and fun.
So gather your supplies, fire up your creativity, and let your red, white, and blue spirit shine!
Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸
-Brooke
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