7 simple tips for July 4th fun with family and pets

Make it easy crafts would like to wish you a very Happy July 4^thholiday.  We hope you will enjoy the sunshine and other outdoor fun activities.  In addition, we are listing 7 simple tips for July 4^thfun with family and pets.

We hope you enjoy this free printable Happy 4th of July coloring page with your family and friends.

Updated July 2018

7 simple tips for July 4^th fun with family and pets

1. Don’t allow children to ignite or play with fireworks.

2. Keep a bucket of water handy and dispose of used fireworks properly after igniting.

3. Keep pets indoors. Fireworks can terrify pets.  If you choose to allow your pet outdoors, make sure they are wearing an ID tag in case they become frightened and run away.

4. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and ignite fireworks. Much like drinking and driving the two do not mix.

5. Make sure there are plenty of outdoor games and activities to entertain children and guests. Print the coloring page and have a contest for the best one.  Games like badminton, volleyball, and even wading pools are great for family get-togethers.

6. If you are serving salads at your event make sure any that include mayonnaise, dressings or easily contaminated dishes are refrigerated. Replace them under refrigeration promptly after serving.

7. Never pick up a firework that has failed to ignite.

Patriotic Horse coloring page

Patriotic Horse Coloring page free printable

First, I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy July 4th Holiday!  Enjoy the fireworks, picnics and celebrations.  

Second, I am offering a free printable Patriotic Horse coloring page that you can download for free.  Just click the link above and print on your home printer. The kids will love this happy little stars and stripes patriotic horse.

It's fun to have a coloring contest and award a prize for the best one.  Coloring keeps the kiddies busy while the adults are setting the tables or making the potato salad.  

Coloring can even relieve stress so many adults are joining the coloring craze.  Just grab some colored pencils or markers and go to town.  And finally, check out all the other free coloring pages on Make it easy crafts and enjoy your holiday!

Make a korker fireworks dog bow tutorial

This little korker fireworks dog bow makes me think of the colorful fireworks that they set off every year in the park.  I made mine in red, white, and blue but it would look cute in any color.  You can easily make korker ribbons out of scrap ribbon you have hanging around so it costs practically nothing!  And it is so easy and fun to dress your furry friend up for the holiday. 

This bow uses an elastic loop to slide onto your pup’s collar so you can make more than one and change them around.  This July 4^th your pet will be dressed to the nines with his fireworks dog bow. 

Materials:

3/8” or ¼” wide grosgrain ribbon in your choice of colors

Mini Bowdabra bow maker with hair bow tool and ruler attachment

Bowdabra bow wire

Dowels

Wooden clothespins

Home oven and cookie sheet lines with foil

3/8” wide elastic 3” long for small collar but you can adjust size for other sizes

Stiffened felt circle ½’ diameter

Stiffened felt rectangle ¾” x 1”

Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

Small sparkle pompom

Instructions:

1.     Make the korker ribbon.  Wind the ribbon around a dowel and hold at the ends with wooden clothespins. (You can alternately tie the ribbon at the ends)  Place on a cookie sheet lined with foil.  Heat in the oven at 275 degrees for 20 minutes.  Let cool for 10 minutes before removing.

2.     Gather all your supplies.

3.     Cut a piece of Bowdabra bow wire 18 inches long.  Fold in half and insert into the bow maker.  You will have a loop on one side and two loose wires on the other.

4.     Cut the korker ribbon pieces 5 inches long.  Cut 6 ribbon pieces.  I cut two each of red, white, and blue.

5.     Insert the korker pieces into the bow maker one at a time alternating colors.  Make sure there is the same amount of ribbon on each side.

6.     After you have added all the colors, scrunch down with the Bowdabra wand.

7.     Insert the two loose wires through the loop and pull tight to make a slipknot while the bow is still in the bow maker.

8.     Remove from the Bowdabra and tie a knot in the back.

9.     Cut a ½” diameter circle from stiffened felt and use the hot glue gun to attach to the back of the bow.  Cut a 3/8” x 3” long piece of elastic and hot glue it to the back of the bow in a loop for sliding on the collar.

10. Add a small sparkle pompom to the center of the bow.  Slide on to your pet’s collar.

You can find Bowdabra hair bow tools at your local craft store, online, and at Walmart.  Visit Bowdabra blog for more free craft tutorials, recipes and more!

Patriotic dog bow with feathers

Dress up your pups for patriotic holidays and parties with this cute Patriotic dog bow with feathers. The bow is attached with some elastic on to the collar so it easily goes on and off whenever you want. Alternate the ribbons and charms and you can make an entire wardrobe of seasonal bows for your pets.

It’s so easy with the Bowdabra bow maker with ruler attachment. I’ve made my elastic small because I have a tiny dog but you can make the same bow for any size dog just change the elastic to fit the collars.

My dog is a girly girl.  She doesn't like to get her feet wet when it rains.  She doesn't chase rabbits.  She basically doesn't like to get dirty and she loves her bows, so everyone knows she's a girl.   It's so easy to make bows and change them up with the season for my little girly girl.

Supplies:

•             Bowdabra Mini Bow Maker with hairbow tool and ruler attachment
•             Bowdabra bow wire
•             20 inches of 1 ½” wide patriotic ribbon
•             Two small red, white or blue feathers
•             Sparkle star charm
•             3 inches 1/8” wide elastic (for small dog collar but longer for larger dog) 
•             Needle and thread
•             Piece of matching felt ¼” wide x 1 ½” long
•             Lighter
•             Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

Instructions:

1.    Gather your supplies.

2.    Cut a piece of elastic and sew together into a loop. Set aside.

3.    Cut an 18-inch piece of Bowdabra bow wire, fold in half and insert into the bow maker. You will have a loop on one side and two loose wires on the other.

4.    Cut a 20-inch piece of patriotic ribbon. Use a lighter to run quickly on the ends to seal to prevent fraying.

5.    Fold the ribbon in half to find the center and insert into the Bowdabra.

6.    Make a loop with one end bringing around and inserting the end into the Bowdabra.

7.    Bring the other end across the first loop and insert that end under the first loop and into the Bowdabra. It will look like an X.

8.    Insert the bottom ribbon loop into the Bowdabra. Repeat with the top loop. You have formed the bow.

9.    Add one of the feathers. Add another feather on the opposite side. Scrunch down with the Bowdabra wand. Insert the two loose wire ends through the loop and pull tight while the bow is still in the Bowdabra. Remove from the Bowdabra, turn to the back and tie in a knot. Cut off any excess bow wire. Arrange the bow.

10.Use the hot glue to attach the elastic loop on the back of the bow. Add the felt piece over the elastic to secure. Turn the bow over and attach the star charm in the center. Use the elastic to attach to the collar.