Decorate a Fourth of July Barbecue Apron!

They’re smoky and tasty and so much fun...and the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.   And as you’ve probably discovered, barbecues can be incredibly messy too! This Fourth of July, why not present your "Head Barbecue Chef" with a personalized, patriotic apron, decorated just for the occasion by your child?

Here’s an apron design that will get those creative juices flowing and those math wheels turning. It’s great fun for all ages, but this activity is especially good learning for first and second graders.  Your child will practice patterns and spacing, and handle squeeze bottles filled with fabric paint.  Look forward to lots of smiles (especially from the chef!) when you’re done!

You Will Need:

• Plain denim apron (available at craft stores and some fabric stores)
• Iron-on applique stars (available at fabric stores) Note: If your local store does not sell iron-on appliqué stars, you glue them with washable fabric glue instead!
• Squeeze-on craft fabric paint in silver and red 

What to Do:

1. Lay out your denim apron on a clean, flat iron-safe surface. 
2. Arrange 10-11 white stars on the bib section in the shape of fireworks (use 10-11 stars for each firework; you can do as many fireworks as you like in the bib section). If you are using iron-on stars, help your child iron them onto the fabric and allow them to cool. Otherwise, your child can glue them down with washable fabric glue.
3. Now you’re ready for some artistic experimentation. Have your child use the red paint to make a sparkly “trail” from each star. In between these designs, you can use silver paint to make extra dots.
4. Underneath the “firework” stars in the lower section of the apron, have your child trace out the year in numbers.  Then, with the fabric paint, she go over her tracing in red or silver paint, or both!
5. Your child can add any other personal touches that she likes, such as the Head Chef's name or a special Fourth of July message.
6. Let you child know ahead of time that fabric paint takes several hours to dry completely. Make sure you place your apron undisturbed in a clean location when you’re done, where there's no chance of getting the fabric paint on something that you don't want it on!  When the paint has completely dried, you will have a fabulous, flashy present for your Barbecue Chef, not to mention a great activity to do to celebrate the Fourth of July!