The Fourth of July is almost here and it’s about that time again to get ready for your picnics, barbecues, and parties.

Before you start stressing over place settings and patriotic party favors, here are a few inexpensive ways to decorate with simple things that you probably already have around the house.

Craft number one is stars and stripes mason jars. Start by painting your mason jars white or with a primer; then cover them with star stickers of any color. If you want stripes too, you can place three strips of tape around the jar as well. Next, choose what color you want each jar to be: red, white, or blue. Then, spray paint the jar again with the color you choose. When the jars dry, remove the stickers and the tape stripes and that’s it. You can use the jars to hold flowers, silverware or anything you like.

The next thing to try is hand made confetti poppers. They’re easy to make and your kids will love them. Use patriotic scrapbook paper to cover toilet paper tubes. Cover them completely in the paper and trim the ends of the paper if necessary. Next, cut the top off of a party balloon, but just enough to enclose the toilet roll. Place the bottom of the roll inside the balloon and use some washer tape to secure it to the roll. Then tie off the bottom of the balloon. Pour some confetti inside the roll and then stuff some shredded stuffing paper inside on top. Just pull the bottom of the balloon to make it pop.

The last thing to try is some Fourth of July paper fans. Use some craft paper to make the fans. Just fold the paper accordion style and use a ribbon to tie the bottom. And that’s it, you’re done! You can place the fans anywhere and use them as decoration.

Have a Happy Fourth of July and don’t forget to SHARE the love and pass it on!