Fireworks!

Each year we try to paint fireworks with a different technique and this is my favorite effect, yet.

Materials:

• wax paper
• black or dark blue paper
• red, white, and blue paint
• glitter

Directions:

1. Cut circles of various sizes from the wax paper. Fold the circles in half, then fold in half again, and fold once more. Snip the tip in a V-shape and make cuts at the outer edge. You can also cut triangles along the side. This is just like making a snowflake.

2. Using a sponge or medium paint brush, either dab on paint or brush the paint out from the center.

3. Lift the stencil and add glitter! (I think that glitter! should always have an exclamation point after it…even in the middle of a sentence.)

4. Repeat, overlapping some of the fireworks.

Educational Connections:

• Music: Play the “1812 Overture” or  “Stars and Stripes Forever” while painting.
• History and Culture: Fireworks have been a part of Independence Day celebrations from the first anniversary and originated in ancient China! Learn more about the history of fireworks.
• Science: The embedded video from the Franklin Institute (below) explores how fireworks are made and how the colors are created. Older students will enjoy this interactive combustion feature from NOVA.
• Art: Try taking photographs of a fireworks display. Which camera settings work best?