Still looking for July 4^th decorating ideas?  No worries, there is still plenty of time to whip up some patriotic crafty projects before the 4^th arrives.  These patriotic paper medallions are quick and easy, and I’m providing a tutorial AND the printables!

First, start with the Free 3″ Party Circles from my new Stars & Stripes Printable Party Kit.    Download, and print the 3″ patriotic medallion circles onto heavy white cardstock.  Cut out using a circle cutter, 3″ punch, or plain old scissors.  Set them aside for later.

Download free Stars & Striped printable circles here.

You’ll also need:
12×12″ red and blue cardstock and/or patterned paper
paper glue (I like Zip Dry from Beacon Adhesives because it dries very quickly)
Bamboo skewers

Cut 2 strips of cardstock to 3×12″ each.  Fold paper accordion-style into 1/2″ pleats (just like paper fans from elementary school!).  Each strip will become 1/2 of the medallion.  Overlap folds and glue together using Zip Dry to form one long strip. Then overlap and glue the open ends together to form a circle.

Don’t worry if you end up with a circle that pops up like figure 4.  We’ll fix that.

Add a drop of Zip Dry in between folds on reverse side of medallion, and gently push the center down to form the folded circle shape.  I also like to glue a circle of extra cardstock to the back of the medallion to help secure the circle in place (or a circle cut from a second Stars & Stripes printed circle if I’m hanging the finished medallions).

When the medallion is dry, glue the Stars & Stripes 3″ Circle to the center of the front.  Don’t be skimpy with the glue here, the extra will sink down into the folds and help adhere the circle more securely.  Your medallion is finished!

Glue a bamboo skewer to the back of one of the folds, or punch a hole in the top to hang.  Repeat with the other freebie circles and remaining cardstock or patterned paper.

I chose to add the skewers to my party medallions, trim them to 3 sizes, and pop them in a metal bucket.  I also added a bottle wrap from the complete Stars & Stripes Printable Party Kit to accent the bucket.

Thanks for stopping by!  I’d love to see what you make with the Stars & Stripes circles!

Until next time…
Carla