Independence Banner

Why

Celebrate your country's independence! Decorate with a national symbol that reminds you of your country's history and culture.


Steps

1. Every country has symbols, such as the maple leaf in Canada and Uncle Sam in the United States. Choose a symbol for your country. Find out why it's so popular. These directions tell how to make Uncle Sam. Use your imagination to make any national symbol you choose for your Independence Banner.

2. On a large piece of paper, use Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils to draw a large top hat. Cut it out with Crayola Scissors. Show red, white, and blue stars and stripes in a creative way using Crayola Washable Markers. Add sparkles with Crayola Glitter Glue. Dry.

3. On another piece of paper, draw an oval face to fit under the hat. Use Crayola Multicultural Markers to color Uncle Sam's skin. Add eyes and a nose with Crayola Classic Fine Line Markers.

4. Trace eyebrows, a mustache, hair, and a goatee on white paper. Cut them out and attach them to Uncle Sam's face using a Crayola Glue Stick. Glue the head to the hat. Dry.

5. For a sturdier wallhanging, trace Uncle Sam on cardboard. Cut out. Glue decorated paper on cardboard. Dry.

6. Punch a hole at the top of Uncle Sam's hat. Thread yarn or ribbon through the hole to display.

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

Related Crafts

Crafts

 

Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Fine Line Markers
  • Erasable Colored Pencils
  • Markers
  • Multicultural Markers
  • Glue Sticks
  • Glitter Glue
  • Blunt-Tip Scissors
household supplies
  • hole punch
  • cardboard (optional)
  • ribbon, string, or yarn

Where & When

"Our front door looked great for the July 4th picnic. The children's craft added a patriotic touch."
Cindie C., mother of ages 7 and 11.

"Before national holidays, we discuss our country's symbols. The kids are always proud to take their banners home."
Michael R., community club leader.


Interesting Info

Did you know that Uncle Sam is based on a real person named Samuel Wilson (1766-1854)? This unique image was used to help recruit U.S. soldiers during both World War I and II.