DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Fourth of July Tree Craft

Template Version

There are a variety of versions to the craft to add complexity for older children.

The craft is simple enough for young kids to contribute but still fun for even mom to make.  I like doing the tissue paper version but it's tough for preschoolers to make -- the templates are more appropriate for them.

There are a number of variations on this craft depending on which templates you print:

1. Template Version (younger children):  print the trunk template and the stars template and paste the stars on the tree.  If you want a very well covered tree, print two copies of the stars template.  Draw a picture to fill in the bottom of the template like Kaitlyn did!
2. 
   Tissue Paper Version
   with "homemade" trunk.
   Tissue Paper Version (older children):  cut 1.5 inch squares of tissue paper, wrap around the eraser end of a pencil and glue to the trunk template.  Tasha made the tissue paper version with a homemade trunk (see below) and added some green construction paper afterwards to make it look like grass.

Rather than using the Trunk template, you can decorate a "homemade" trunk.  To make the trunk, trace your child's arm from the elbow up, including the fingers, cut it out.  We pasted our homemade trunk on a piece of white construction paper but you could also use regular white paper.

Materials:

• printer,
• paper,
• scissors,
• glue,
• something to color with.
• You will also need finger paint if you choose the first option.

Instructions:

• Print out the template of choice.
• Color craft pieces if you printed the black and white version of the template.  (For a change of pace, try using different mediums than you typically do, such as paints or pastels).
• Cut out the pieces.  This step may require adult assistance.  Don't worry too much about getting the tree branches cut out perfectly.
• Glue the stars all over the tree to decorate.
• You can glue the entire tree to a decorated background (blue construction paper, with green tissue paper for grass and white cotton balls for clouds works very nicely!)

Templates:

• Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
• Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).

Stars Template     (color)   or   (B&W)

Trunk Template    (color)   or   (B&W)

Print friendly version of these instructions