It’s almost time to celebrate our nation’s birth yet we are having some hum-drum rainy days lately.  What to do to keep the kiddos entertained?? Here are the latest July 4 ideas from Disney FamilyFun magazine – all new this year and in their June/July issue.

• Confetti Launcher: Fireworks happen only after dark, but this craft creates a pop of color any time of day. Kids pull back on the string to release a shower of tissue paper confetti, then gather it up and refill the launcher again…and again…and again. http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/confetti-launcher-890192/
• Hand-some Tee: How cute and clever is that? With a design fashioned entirely from palm-and-finger prints, this tee will be the talk of eagle-eyed revelers. http://familyfun.go.com/4th-of-july/4th-of-july-crafts/hand-some-tee-895365/
• Wig and Tutu in One: Powdered wigs are so 1776. Celebrate the Fourth in 2010 sporting a crazy red, white, and blue pompadour.  Or, if you prefer, wear the tulle creation as a tutu. http://familyfun.go.com/4th-of-july/4th-of-july-crafts/wig-and-tutu-in-one-890181/
• Spirited Bike Spinner: Old Glory won’t be the only thing blowing in the breeze this Fourth.  Made from a strategically snipped and bent plastic bottle wrapped in tape, this colorful bike accessory twirls in the air as your kids pedal. http://familyfun.go.com/4th-of-july/4th-of-july-crafts/spirited-bike-spinner-890204/
• A Patri-botic Centerpiece: Do U need a GR8 helper 4 yours picnic on the 4^th? Well, this is one can-do robot. His recycled-can head holds a hair-raising array of utensils, and a clear container belly keeps cookies safe from eager little hands until it’s time for dessert. http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/patri-botic-centerpiece-895378/
• A Star-spangled Welcome: This bunting-inspired paper wreath will look as snappy as a salute on your front door. http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/star-spangled-welcome-890210/
  

What other fun and crafty ideas come to mind?  We like to put glitter and clear hair gel into a large ziploc bags then lay them flat on dark paper…when we ‘draw’ on them with our finger, they can look just like fireworks….with no mess!  We also decorate cakes like a flag using strawberries and blueberries.

So what do you do in your house?  What ever it is, have fun!