Get a head start with the kids on your July 4th decorations! These easy to create “windsocks” are super simple and just right for any age crafter.
“Patriotic Paper Rockets” by Patti Milazzo
Supplies:
Therm O Web Sticky Lines
Therm O Web Zots™ – Small
Therm O Web Zots™ – Medium
Therm O Web iCraft Adhesive™ Tape – 1/4″
Therm O Web iCraft Adhesive™ Tape – 1/2″
Therm O Web Sticky Dot Die Cut Adhesive Sheets
Therm O Web Glitter Dust™ – Silver
Other:
Bella Blvd. All American pattern paper
Bo Bunny Double Dot Cardstock (Wild Berry & Slate)
Doodlebug Metallic Aluminum Glitter
Fiskars star punches
gray cardstock, silver pipe cleaners, silver mini brads, 1/4″ wood craft dowels
Instructions:
Cut pattern paper rectangle to create the rocket tube. Any size is fine – the rockets shown here are: 4 x 8 (red), 3 x 10 (white) and 6 x 7 (blue). Cut pattern paper strips (1/4” to 1” wide and 1/4” longer than length for overlap) to adhere across the rectangle using Therm O Web iCraft Adhesive™ Tape. Cut Therm O Web Sticky Lines to size while clear plastic protective backing is still attached. Remove 1 side of plastic and apply across rectangle. Keep top side of plastic intact until you’re ready to add glitter.
Remove top plastic strip and apply glitter. Press lightly and tap off excess.
Next, roll the paper to make the tube shape. Cut Sticky Lines strip to size and apply it along the side edge of the rectangle. Form the tube and press firmly to secure.
To attach the hemp, punch 2 opposing holes near the top of the tube. Take a 12” – 18” length of hemp and tie the rocket tail material (curling ribbon, fabric ribbon or material) at the center. Feed this through the bottom of the tube and thread the hemp ends through the punched holes from the inside. Then tie the 2 hemp ends together to form a knot.
Set the tube aside and create the cone top. Cut circles (3” – 5” wide), punch a hole in the center and cut a line from the edge to the center hole. Apply Therm O Web Zots™ to the cut edge, shape the cone and press to secure.
Feed the ends of hemp through underside of the cone and out the top. To secure the cone top, cut short pieces of Sticky Lines and apply at top edge of tube, then affix cone in place. Tie a knot at the top of the rocket cone.
Punch stars from red, blue and light gray cardstock. Add sparkle to the gray stars by spraying them with Therm O Web Silver Glitter Dust™. Let dry.
Use Therm O Web Sticky Dot Die Cut Adhesive Sheets for quick adhesive application to layer the punched stars.
Add silver brads or other gems, then apply Therm O Web Zots™ to the back of the layered stars and adhere to the rocket.
Attach the completed rocket to the craft dowel by first applying a Zot™ to the end of the dowel. Then wrap the hemp ends around several times and tie a knot to finish.
Optional: wrap a 4” piece of silver pipe cleaner around the dowel to cover the hemp and to add a little extra sparkle.
Other tips & suggestions:
- If you’re working with little ones, have the pieces to create this project pre-made (sized, cut and with adhesive attached) for easy assembly. Kids can simply remove adhesive backing and stick pieces to their project(s).
- Make these rockets any theme for a rainy day project or as party décor. Change the theme to create bird houses, fish or lanterns.
- Omit the cone top and they are a simple windsock that can also made for any theme and/or any occasion – hang them from outdoor umbrellas and canopies or use several to create a banner spelling out names or “happy birthday letters”
The creative possibilities are endless! I hope you’ve enjoyed this little tutorial and have fun creating!
Patti 🙂
