Flag Finger Painting Craft for Fourth of July

Lately, I’ve been finding some great unconventional uses for painter’s tape. Last week, when we were at camp (in a cabin), I used to to label drawers so we would know who’s clothes are wear. I’ve used it to tape down newspaper for craft projects, and today, we’re going to use it as a key part of this American flag project (perfect for the 4th of July!)

A handmade American flag with red and white stripes, expertly crafted through flag finger painting, features a blue paper square canton. This vibrant piece rests gracefully on a wooden surface, showcasing the charm of personalized creativity and patriotic artistry.

Here’s What You Need:

Painters Tape
White construction paper
Newspaper or other scrap paper
Red Paint
Paint brushes
Blue Construction Paper
Star stickers

What You Do:

Art supplies on a table include a bowl with yellow paint, a paintbrush, blue painters tape, and a bottle of Crayola washable tempera paint. A child is partially visible in the background, engaging in finger painting on striped paper reminiscent of a colorful flag.

Getting Ready!

I used crayola WASHABLE tempera paint and it worked great, but I’m sure any kids paint will do.

A piece of paper with evenly spaced horizontal blue painters tape strips, reminiscent of a flag design, is placed on an open newspaper. The setup rests on a wooden table, inviting the spark of craft creativity.

Tape the white construction paper onto the newspaper as shown. However, just use one stripe to secure it to the newspaper. I found later that if you don’t go clear to the end of the paper with the painter’s tape, it pulls up better, meaning less tears on your finished flag.

Collage of three images showing children finger painting red stripes on white paper with craft brushes. Blue painters tape outlines the flag-like stripes. A bowl of red paint is visible. Hands are covered in color, and newspaper is placed under the paper for protection.

Let your little one paint away. The two year olds I was working with seemed to really like trying to paint stripes.

A child in a floral shirt is crafting a vibrant masterpiece on newspaper with red paint. Blue tape creates flag-like stripes, adding structure. With a brush in one hand, the child enjoys the process as red strokes and hints of finger painting bring the artwork to life.

Of course, there comes a point (in every painting project!) where it’s so much more fun to paint your body than that boring piece of paper!

A young child in an orange striped top is deeply engrossed in finger painting, covering her arms with red paint while sitting at a table. Surrounded by craft materials, she exudes focus and creativity in a series of three images.

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Oh boy!

A child finger painting a red striped pattern on newspaper spread across a wooden table. A bowl with red paint rests nearby, and the child is partially visible, wearing a patterned shirt reminiscent of a flag.

After the stripes are all painted in, allow the project to dry for about 20-30 minutes.

A piece of blue painters tape partially peeled back reveals unpainted white paper beneath. Surrounding areas are covered in red paint with visible brush strokes, reminiscent of a childs finger painting. Text is faintly visible on the lower part, evoking the beginnings of a handcrafted flag.

The, CAREFULLY pull up the painter’s tape. It will take the top “layer” of paper off, but that’s okay!

I found if you pull back at an angle, the paper tears less.

A person is carefully peeling blue painters tape from a surface painted with red and white stripes, echoing the American flag. A hint of craft creativity is evident, as part of a newspaper peeks from the left side.

Even if the project does tear a little, I think it adds to the “rustic” look of the flag.

After you’re all done removing the painter’s tape, glue on a square of blue construction paper in the corner.

A childs finger painting craft resembling the American flag lies on a wooden table, featuring a blue rectangle in the top left corner and painted red and white stripes on paper.

Put star stickers on just like in this project and you’re done!

Happy Fourth of July!!

About the Author

Lindsey Whitney is a mom of two, home day care provider, and blogger over at Growing Kids Ministry. Growing Kids Ministry is a blog designed to help parents, teachers, and Children’s Ministry workers who want to help the kids they love grow in their faith. You can connect with her via twitter or on facebook!