21 DIY Memorial Day Crafts to Honor Heroes

ByEditorial Staff Updated
Memorial Day Crafts - Guyo's Guide

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Memorial Day is a special time to remember and honor heroes. 

Making crafts is a fun way to show our respect and creativity. 

In this article, we’ll share simple and meaningful Memorial Day craft ideas you can make at home.

Let’s get started!

1. Patriotic Paper Windsocks

A photo of a homemade craft with three windsocks made from lightweight paper rolls. Each windsock is painted in bold red, white, and blue stripes, with large white star stickers neatly placed around the middle. Long flowing ribbons, matching the patriotic color theme, are attached at the bottom and flutter in the gentle outdoor breeze. The windsocks hang from sturdy twine, suspended from a wooden porch beam, creating a cheerful, festive look. The background features a bright blue sky with a few soft clouds, and an American flag flutters faintly in the distance.

Grab some red, white, and blue paper, cut into strips, and glue them to a decorated can or paper roll. 

Add a ribbon for hanging, and ta-da—instant patriotic magic! 

These look adorable swaying in the breeze and are an easy afternoon project for the whole family.

2. Handprint American Flag

A heartwarming simple homemade craft featuring a large white poster board with a handprint-designed American flag. In the upper left corner, several blue five fingers handprints are layered together to form the “stars” section. The red stripes are made from small children's five figers handprints in bright red paint, carefully lined horizontally across the page. Some white space is intentionally left to separate the red stripes, mimicking the real flag. The children's tiny painted fingers show adorable imperfections, with a few smudges adding to the charm. The backdrop is a rustic wooden table scattered with extra paint jars and paintbrushes.

There’s nothing sweeter than tiny hands in paint! 

Use blue and red paint to stamp handprints into the shape of the American flag.

This makes a super cute keepsake you’ll want to pull out every year. 

Bonus: it’s messy fun that kids absolutely love.

3. DIY Memorial Day Mason Jar Lanterns

A cozy, glowing display of a simple homemade craft where mason jars are transformed into patriotic lanterns. Each mason jar is painted with clean, vibrant red, white, and blue stripes. Some jars feature little hand-painted stars in white, placed neatly over blue backgrounds. Inside each jar is a battery-operated tea light, casting a warm, inviting glow. The jars are arranged in a straight line along a picnic table covered with a red-checkered cloth. Small American flags and scattered confetti stars decorate the surrounding area, completing the festive nighttime Memorial Day scene.

Paint mason jars in flag designs, or wrap them in festive ribbons, and pop in a battery tea light. 

Line your porch, driveway, or picnic tables with them! 

They’re simple, beautiful, and make your Memorial Day evening feel extra magical when the sun goes down.

4. Popsicle Stick American Flags

A photo of a child's hand holding a small American flag made entirely of popsicle sticks. The flag is made of alternating bright red and white stripes, with a blue square in the corner filled with tiny hand-drawn white stars. The flag is glued onto a thin wooden dowel, standing upright in a planter filled with fresh soil and colorful flowers. The background is a bright, sunny day.

Popsicle sticks + paint + glue = the cutest little flags! 

Kids can paint the sticks red, white, and blue, then glue them together. 

Add a little star sticker to finish. 

These are perfect for decorating flower pots or setting around the picnic table.

5. Paper Plate Uncle Sam

A whimsical, simple homemade craft of Uncle Sam's cheerful face made from a standard white paper plate. The fluffy white beard and hair are made from stretched-out cotton balls glued neatly along the edges. The iconic top hat is constructed from construction paper with red and white vertical stripes and a blue band with white paper stars. Googly eyes give Uncle Sam a fun, animated expression, and a red construction paper bowtie finishes the look. The craft sits upright against a bright blue background.

Paper plates aren’t just for hot dogs! 

Turn one into Uncle Sam’s face with cotton ball hair, a construction paper top hat, and a goofy little smile. 

It’s so easy, even toddlers can help—and it’s guaranteed to get some giggles at your gathering.

6. Red, White, and Blue Tie-Dye Shirts

A photo of freshly dyed white t-shirts hanging from a backyard clothesline. Each shirt is tie-dyed in swirling patterns of bold red, deep blue, and patches of white left in between. Some shirts have starburst effects created by tight rubber band knots, while others display a looser, marbled design. The shirts sway slightly in the breeze, set against a lush green lawn and a bright sunny sky. Nearby, plastic tubs of dye and gloves are scattered on a tarp, showcasing the messy but joyful crafting process.

Get ready to channel your inner hippie! 

Grab some plain tees and swirl them into classic tie-dye masterpieces using red, white, and blue dyes. 

Everyone will look absolutely festive at your cookout—and you’ll probably want to keep the colorful fun going all summer!

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7. Memorial Day Wreath

A photo of a white farmhouse with a wooden door. The door has a wreath made of intertwined grapevines wrapped in wide red, white, and blue ribbons. The wreath has miniature American flags and silk red poppies evenly spaced around the circle. At the top of the wreath, there is a big burlap bow with star accents.

Hot glue some mini American flags, silk flowers, and colorful ribbon to a foam wreath base. 

It’s fast, gorgeous, and proudly patriotic. 

Hang it on your front door to welcome guests and set the perfect festive tone for your Memorial Day party.

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8. Coffee Filter Fireworks

A photo of a lively simple homemade craft showing bright, colorful "fireworks" made from round coffee filters. Each coffee filter has been dyed in vivid blues, bright reds, and soft white areas, creating a tie-dye, explosion-like pattern. The filters are pinned lightly to a windowpane, allowing sunlight to shine through and enhance their brilliant colors. The photo captures the glowing effect perfectly, with reflections of the colorful patterns cast onto the floor.

Coffee filters + watercolor paints = instant “fireworks” for your windows. 

Let kids paint vibrant, colorful patterns, then watch them dry into delicate bursts of color. 

It’s a peaceful, pretty craft that brings the feeling of fireworks indoors—no loud booms necessary.

9. Patriotic Pinwheels

A photo of a homemade craft with three patriotic pinwheels spinning in a grassy yard. The pinwheels have blue and white stars, red stripes, and a mix of all three colors. They are attached to wooden dowels painted white and have a bright silver brad in the center for smooth spinning. In the background, kids are running barefoot across the grass, holding additional pinwheels in their hands. The scene is bathed in warm sunlight.

Nothing says summer like a spinning pinwheel! 

Fold colorful paper into pinwheels, pin them to dowel rods, and stick them in the yard. 

They catch every breeze and spin like crazy. 

Kids especially love running around with them during parades and backyard parties!

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10. DIY Star-Spangled Slime

A photo of a child's hands squishing and pulling red, white, and blue slime on a clear plastic table. The slime has sparkly glitter and tiny metallic star confetti embedded throughout, catching the light beautifully. The slime is stretched and swirled across the table, forming a big gooey ball with bits stretching and drooping in funny shapes. The table has a playful atmosphere, with small open containers of extra glitter, star sprinkles, and colored glue bottles at the edges.

Mix up some gooey, glittery slime in—you guessed it—red, white, and blue! 

Add star-shaped confetti for extra sparkle. 

It’s a total hit with kids (and secretly satisfying for grown-ups too). Just don’t be surprised if the grown-ups can’t resist squishing it, too.

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11. Flag Painted Rocks

A photo of a charming simple homemade craft featuring smooth river rocks painted to resemble tiny American flags. Some rocks have vivid red and white stripes, while others show deep blue backgrounds with delicate hand-painted white stars. A few rocks are artfully stacked together on a rustic wooden table, and a small American flag waves in the corner.

Find some smooth rocks, grab some paint, and turn them into tiny American flags! 

These little gems are great for decorating your garden, hiding around the neighborhood, or giving as cheerful holiday gifts. 

It’s a sweet, simple craft with tons of heart.

12. Memorial Day Parade Hats

A photo of a four-piece collection of homemade parade hats. Each hat is made from sturdy cardstock and crafted into a tall cylinder shape. They are wrapped in red, white, and blue paper. The hats are adorned with glittery stars, striped ribbons, and big shiny stickers. One hat has a wide brim made of matching cardstock, while another has a towering plume of curly red and blue ribbon at the top. The hats are sitting proudly on a picnic table.

Nothing says “ready for the parade” like a homemade hat! 

Use cardstock, glitter, and stickers to create a big, silly, red-white-and-blue masterpiece. 

Perfect for kids to wear during a backyard parade—or just while running wild in the yard, pretending to be Uncle Sam.

13. DIY Patriotic Garland

A festive scene of a simple homemade craft. There is a hand-strung garland made of felt stars and paper stripes in vibrant red, white, and blue colors. The garland is draped elegantly across a white wooden fence. The grass is bright green, and there are colorful flowers blooming underneath the fence. A few clothespins hold the garland in place, and a soft summer breeze lifts some of the stars gently upward.

Snip stars and stripes from craft paper or felt, string them up with twine, and voilà—instant party decor! 

Drape it across the mantel, fence, or picnic table. 

It’s festive, easy, and adds just the right amount of Americana to your holiday vibe.

14. Memorial Day Memory Jars

A simple homemade craft with clear mason jars decorated with festive ribbons, mini American flags, and glued-on paper stars. Each jar is filled with small folded slips of paper where family members have written heartfelt memories and tributes. A rustic wooden table is set with several of these jars, surrounded by pens, colorful note cards, and tea candles. In the background, a faded American flag hangs gently, giving the entire setup a solemn but heartwarming atmosphere perfect for Memorial Day.

Decorate a mason jar with flags and stars, then invite everyone to jot down a memory of someone they honor. 

It’s a beautiful, meaningful tradition that makes Memorial Day more personal—and reading the memories out loud is sure to warm everyone’s hearts.

15. Firecracker Craft Sticks

A sunny outdoor barbecue setting with a flower pot overflowing with red petunias and white daisies. The flower pot contains miniature firecrackers made of painted popsicle sticks in alternating bright red, crisp white, and royal blue. The sticks are dusted with a hint of glitter and tied together with sparkly silver pipe cleaners twisted into starburst shapes at the top. The overall image has a patriotic theme.

Paint popsicle sticks red, white, and blue, then bundle them with ribbon to look like mini firecrackers. 

Add glitter or stars for extra pizzazz. 

Stick them into planters, centerpieces, or even cupcakes for a festive little pop that won’t scare the dog!

16. American Flag Sun Catcher

A photo of a simple homemade craft displaying a DIY sun catcher in the shape of the American flag. The flag is made of layered horizontal strips of translucent red and white tissue paper, with a blue rectangle in the corner containing tiny cut-out white stars. The sun catcher is adhered to a clean window, and the sunlight beams through, highlighting the vibrant, glowing colors. In the background, a wide open backyard and a fluttering flag pole create a perfect Memorial Day setting.

Cut a rectangle from clear contact paper, stick on bits of red, white, and blue tissue paper, and seal it up. 

Hang it in a sunny window and watch it glow! 

It’s a quick, colorful craft that adds a little sparkle to any room.

17. Patriotic Paper Chain

A photo of a simple homemade craft of a long chain of red, white, and blue paper loops linked together. Each paper loop is carefully glued, and the chain hangs across a wooden front porch railing. Some paper strips are patterned with stars, while others are solid colors, creating a playful, festive rhythm. A nearby basket of leftover paper strips. The background contains a white house with green shutters and a few trees. The overall image has a nostalgic vibe.

Old-school paper chains never go out of style! 

Use strips of red, white, and blue paper, loop and glue them together, and drape them across tables, fences, or doorways. 

It’s a super-easy way to get everyone involved, even the littlest crafters.

18. Bottle Cap Flag Art

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Gather up bottle caps (hello, barbecue leftovers!) and paint them red, white, and blue. 

Arrange them in a flag pattern on a piece of cardboard or wood. 

It’s rustic, fun, and the perfect way to upcycle while decorating for your Memorial Day party.

19. DIY Star Stamps

A photo of a simple homemade craft with hand-cut sponge and potato stamps shaped like stars. The stamps are dipped into vibrant red, white, and blue paint. They are used to create patterns on a large roll of kraft paper, forming a DIY table runner. Splashes and smudges of color around the work area show kids' joyful creativity.

Cut simple star shapes out of sponges or potatoes, dip them into paint, and stamp your way to patriotic glory! 

Decorate gift bags, napkins, or even a giant piece of butcher paper for a homemade tablecloth everyone will love.

20. Bandana Tablecloth

A photo of a large outdoor picnic table covered with a colorful patchwork tablecloth made from red, white, and blue bandanas. Each bandana is sewn or tied at the edges, creating a checkerboard pattern full of paisley prints and bold solids. The table is set with mason jar lanterns and American flags. In the background, string lights twinkle softly as the evening begins to fall.

Sew or even just tie together red, white, and blue bandanas to create a vibrant, reusable tablecloth. 

It’s the perfect cover for a picnic table, and when the party’s over, it folds up neatly for the next summer celebration!

21. Memorial Day Ribbon Wands

A photo of a whimsical homemade craft display of ribbon wands. Each wand is made from a thin wooden dowel wrapped tightly with red, white, and blue satin ribbons. Long flowing ribbon strands trail from the tops, fluttering gracefully in the breeze. Scattered in the grass are extra wands and colorful picnic blankets, capturing the joy of a perfect Memorial Day afternoon.

Wrap red, white, and blue ribbons around a wooden dowel and tie them off securely. 

Kids love waving them around during parades, games, or just running across the yard. 

Bonus: they look absolutely magical when caught in a summer breeze!

Wrap Up

Memorial Day crafts are a fun way to celebrate, remember, and spend time with family. 

Whether you make a wreath, a flag, or a sun catcher, every craft shares the spirit of the day. 

Grab your supplies, get creative, and make this Memorial Day truly special!

Memorial Day Crafts

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Our Editorial Staff blends expertise in home decor, crafting, and recipes to create engaging, reliable content that inspires creativity and transforms everyday living.

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