These easy-to-make red, white, and blue bracelets are the perfect way to show your patriotism and have fun making a craft. They're even easy enough for kids to make, and you can wear yours proudly on Flag Day and the 4th of July!

Stars and Beads
Created by Maura Mackie

Materials (all available from most craft stores):
•  1 pack of satin cord
•  1 bag of colossal pony beads
•  1 pack of barrel clasps
•  Epoxy glue

Instructions:
1. Cut satin cord to fit around wrist with some extra for tying of clasps on both ends.

2. On one end tie barrel clasp in a double knot.

3. On the opposite end, begin to thread beads. Be sure to leave room at the end for the remaining barrel clasp.

4. Once you have finished beading and the pattern is complete, tie the second half of the barrel clasp onto the cord and secure with a double knot.

5. Finish each knot with a drop of glue to secure.

Note: We also used some plastic stars interspersed with the beads. Get creative!

Maura Mackie enjoys crafting and home décor.

The intertwined beads are a wonderful symbol of national unity.

Red, White, and Blue Forever
Created by Sarah and Sue Kramer

Materials (all available from most craft stores):
•  1 clasp (twist or lobster-claw type)
•  2 crimps
•  24 inches tigertail (similar to fishing wire)
•  Gold spacer beads
•  Red, white, and blue seed beads
•  Wire cutters or scissors (could also use fingernail clippers)
•  Needle-nosed pliers

Instructions:
1. Thread crimp and one half of the clasp onto the tigertail. Put one end of tigertail back through the crimp and center the clasp.

2. Leave a little space for the clasp to move freely, then smash crimp with pliers.

3. Thread a gold spacer bead on one side of tigertail, and then send the other end through bead in opposite direction. Pull on each end evenly until bead is as close to crimp as possible.

4. String nine seed beads (in red, white, and blue pattern) onto each side, then repeat step 3 with another gold spacer bead.

5. Repeat steps until bracelet is long enough. Stop with a completed oval.

6. After putting on a final spacer bead, thread a crimp and the other half of the clasp onto both strands of the tigertail. Send the ends of the tigertail back through the crimp and spacer bead.

7. Hold onto the clasp as you pull the tigertail until taut (again, make sure clasp can move freely). Smash crimp, then trim extra tigertail close to the spacer bead with wire cutters or scissors.

Sue and Sarah Kramer enjoy making crafts together. Sarah is nine years old and was inspired by recent events to create this patriotic bracelet.