diy sparklers

I should first tell you that I love, love, love the Fourth of July! Growing up, my grandparents’ house was on the parade route, so each year, my cousins and I got a first row seat at the parade! Afterwards, we headed out back for games, food, and playing until dark…then we’d catch lightening bugs until it was dark enough for the fireworks. Those really were the days, and I’m so grateful for such sweet summertime memories centered around the Fourth of July. Last year and this year have looked a little different with no parades happening because of the pandemic, but we’re still aiming for all the fun…plus cute little family outfits too now that the twins are here!

These sparklers are not only super easy to make, but they’re so FUN! I purchased all my supplies from Hobby Lobby, but I have some linked here for you as well. Feel free to make these any color you want to add them into your celebrations such as birthdays or other special occasions. I (of course!) chose red, white, and blue to get us ready for the Fourth!

Start by taking a sheet of each color tissue paper you want to use for one sparkler, and cut it in half. Then fold it lengthwise as shown below.

Then using your scissors, make cuts from the open edge of the paper towards the fold, but do not cut the fold. Essentially, it will look like you are making fringe. The cuts do not need to be the same width apart-I did a few thick and a few thinner, although, there will be more movement in the sparkler the thinner the cuts are when we are finished.

Next, on the folded side of the tissue paper stack, place your straw at the very top, and tape it. You will then roll your straw all the way to the end of the tissue paper stack, keeping the paper even and not going down the straw as you roll…you’ll see what I mean when you roll it!

When you have reached the end, secure the tissue paper with another piece of tape. You will then start to peel the fringe pieces out and down like you’re peeling back layers of an onion. When all layers are peeled, VIOLA! You’re done! See, I told you these were super easy to make!

You can easily add in cellophane sheets for a translucent look or even add in a sheet of aluminum foil when making these! If you decide to add these to your next event or Fourth of July celebration, let me see! Tag me on IG @kathryn.sloop

Now, go make some magic!

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