Show your pride with this patriotic windsock that's perfect for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, or any time of year that you want to display the red, white, and blue. The stars and stripes wave in the breeze thanks to the "tails" of the windsock that catch gusts of air. They're so easy to make that you'll want to make several to display throughout your yard. This simple DIY craft is also a great way to inspire patriotism in youngsters, so ask the kids to help!
Things You'll Need
Empty cylindrical oatmeal canister, 42 oz. or 18 oz.
Hobby knife
Fabric ribbon, various colors and widths
Scissors
Stapler
Red, white, and blue construction paper
Craft glue
String
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1. Cut the bottom off the oatmeal container
Using a hobby knife, remove and discard the bottom of a cylindrical oatmeal canister. The top will already be open, as that is where the lid was located.
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Tip
The most popular sizes of oatmeal containers are the 42-ounce and 18-ounce packages. Both are ideal for windsocks.
2. Staple ribbon to the bottom
Cut pieces of ribbon to about 18 inches in length, selecting patriotic-colored ribbon in various styles and widths. Staple the ribbon to the bottom of the oatmeal container with the end of the ribbon on the inside. Continue stapling ribbons until the entire bottom rim is covered.
3. Cut paper to size
Cut a piece of construction paper to fit completely around the oatmeal container, extending past the top and bottom by about 1/2 inch. As an optional decorative touch, cut scallops on the bottom edge of the paper.
4. Glue paper to the container
Wrap the paper around the container to hide the printing on the package as well as the staples used to attach the ribbon. Use craft glue to attach the paper to the container.
5. Add stripes
Cut out 1-inch to 2-inch stripes that are long enough to wrap around the cylinder. Glue the stripes to the cylinder, leaving room between them to add stars.
6. Add stars
Draw stars freehand or trace them from a preprinted sheet and cut them out. Glue the stars to the windsock between the stripes.
Tip
You can decorate the outside of the cylinder with more patriotic-themed ribbon. Also, look for scrapbook paper or wrapping paper with predesigned red, white, and blue elements.
7. Tie a string at the top
Using a hobby knife, punch two holes on opposite ends at the top of the windsock. Thread string through the holes and secure with knots to create a hanging loop for the windsock.
8. Hang the windsock
Hang the windsock outside on a tree branch or at the end of a flag pole. You may need another piece of string to tie the hanging loop to a branch. When hanging more than one windsock, experiment with several patterns of stars and stripes for a patriotic array that will inspire the neighborhood.
Tip
To add more visual interest to your patriotic display, you can make windsocks in a variety of sizes by using toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes, or bread crumb containers in place of the oatmeal containers.
