Make a Fireworks Postcard

This fireworks postcard is the result of several different 4th of July craft attempts that failed. In other words, it was my fall-back craft, the one you do because you know you can getter done. If you’re interested, the original crafts involved ribbon (I thought they should at least make an appearance in the picture) and tiny alligator clips.

I thought a fireworks barrette would be super cute with the ribbon pieces representing those colorful explosions in the sky. Not so much. I would show you pictures but I was too busy getting frustrated to stop and take pictures. Anyway, the fireworks barrette will have to wait for another day.

What is ironic about even attempting to make a barrette project (though I’ve made them before here and here) is as of this writing, my daughter has rejected hair accessories. I’m not a barrette girl myself, but still! She’s 2. Aren’t toddlers supposed to be decked out with matching barrettes? My kid is the one with the barrette holding on for dear life onto the tips of her curls. Oh well. If that’s our big problem for the week, I’ll take it. 🙂

But back to the fireworks card. You could easily do this with a plain white card or follow as I did and make a postcard. For some reason, postcards just seem so summery to me. They remind me of all of the “Wish You Were Here” postcards I used to buy on summer vacations (even though we tended to go camping. Maybe I bought those at gas station stops?) This postcard could easily be made with the kids since it is very simple.

How to Make a Fireworks Card

You will need:

Plain white card or postcard (heavier card stock is best)
Watercolors in red and blue
Paintbrush and water or watercolor brush

Load your brush with water and blue paint, and add dots to the card. Rinse paint completely off the brush. Fill in the spaces by adding red dots to the card.

Some tips:

• You can gently flick the loaded paint brush onto the card for a more splattered effect. I found it easier to manually add the dots, though.
• Working with one color at a time is faster because you won’t have to continually clean the brush.
• Use masking tape or a non-sticky tape to mask off portions of your card if you want your line to be more exact. Stripes across the card would be really pretty. Just make sure to let the paint dry completely before carefully taking off the tape. I would test a small portion of the back of your card to see if the tape will release easily before you try this technique.
• Mix it up with different colors and make a set of gorgeous cards! Think of colors that compliment each other–I think a coral and turquoise card would be really pretty.

If you like this craft, here’s another card tutorial that is super easy!

I’ve been hand-stitching cards for a while . . . you won’t believe how easy it is to make your own. (These make great gifts!)

P.S. If you like this project, you’re going to love my new resource, The {10 Minute} Letter-writing Retreat Bundle. It’s packed with prompts, tutorials (like this one!), and printable stationery. Learn more here.