Patriotic Table Decoration

With the 4th of July just days away we're testing out quick and easy laser projects the whole family can get involved with. Prior to leaving work I used our trusty Speedy 300 to cut red acrylic stars... Then I took everything home so my nieces and nephews could assemble everything. It couldn't be easier and more festive!

Here's What you'll need:

• Rice
• Mason Jars
• Red & Blue Food Die
• Dowel Rods
• White Craft Paint with Foam Brush
• Glue
• Patriotic (red or blue) acrylic
• Laser
• Tea Lights
• Mini US Flag

I used CorelDraw, it has a nifty shape tool, so it only took me about 30 seconds to make three starts. I did two different sizes to add some dimension... The Great thing about this project is your imagination is your only limitation, mix up sizes or shapes to create your own look!

Once the file is ready, just cut out the acrylic!

Now that your starts (fireworks) are made gather up all your materials and get to crafting!

We used paper bowls and plastic spoons to make red and blue rice. Fill your bowls with the desired amount of rice and mix it red and blue food dye. After it was all mixed up we spread the rice out on parchment paper to allow it to dry quicker.

Once the rice was dry we layered the red, white (plain), and blue rice to create a festive look. There is two really good options with these candles, you can either fill it all the way to the top (like we did) our about half way. I think the second look creates a more romantic glow.

We painted the dowel rods white, but there is so many other options... Go crazy and do red, white, and blue stripes, or maybe do three with each another color, or...

Then glue the stars to the the dowel rods.

Once the glue dries, add the flag and "fireworks" to the mason jar, add the candle, light the candle, and stand back when your 4th of July (or memorial day) BBQ guests admire your totally awesome patriotic table decorations!