Independence Day Kids Crafts

I eschew patriotism, mainly because it can lead to nationalism, which goes against the teachings of Islam. But as my kids grow a little older, I keep wanting to know more about their Pakistani culture and heritage. 

Growing up, my dad made me and my siblings speak Urdu at home. He also encouraged my love of Pakistani fashion, dramas, and culture in general. He would take me to concerts and mela’s from a young age. Buy me all the newest Pakistani fashion magazines. This was his way of creating a love for my heritage in me from a young age. 

My girls could care less about fashion and dramas, because they’re too young right now. But I still want to introduce them to their heritage, so we decided to do stuff they’d be interested in - crafts! 

We made popsicle stick flags, pipe cleaner moon and star wands, and Pakistani flag bracelets. The bracelets were my kids’ favorite activity. All the while we listened to Dil Dil Pakistan and other Pakistani songs :) 

Here is an easy tutorial of how we made the bracelets and the other crafts. 

Bracelets: We used green reflective cardstock, cut them into bracelets about 2 inches wide and to fit the wrists. Drew a moon and star on them, filled the shape with white glue using a brush, and sprinkled with silver glitter.

Popsicle Stick Flags: Use 6-7 green popsicle sticks or paint them green yourself. Glue a separate popsicle stick on the back to make a flagpole, and half of another popsicle that goes across all the sticks on the back to reinforce them. Use glitter glue to draw on the moon and star. 

Pipe Cleaner Moon & Star Wands: Take green and silver glitter pipe cleaners. Decorate the wands with beads. Make moon and star shapes using cookie cutters, or just free hand it!