Children in elementary school enjoy almost any paper craft project. Using construction paper, markers, glue and creatively chosen embellishments gives young children a fun opportunity to make patriotic and history-themed crafts. The use of arts and crafts to compliment classroom learning helps students embrace ideas and concepts presented in class. Example ideas include tricornes made from paper bowls and construction paper or Revolutionary War era flags from strips of cut paper and Popsicle sticks.
High school students study the Revolutionary War era in more depth than elementary school students. Accordingly, crafts and other project ideas should reflect the students' increased understanding and motor skills. For example, students can fashion authentic quill pens from feathers, then use the pens to copy a famous quote on poster board, such as those in Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanack." Display the posters in the classroom and discuss each quote's meaning and why the student chose it.
School is not the only place for Revolutionary War crafts and projects. The Fourth of July is a primary example of holidays where such crafts become a common sight in homes, around office buildings and in community centers. Creating hand-sewn replicas of early American and British flags, making folk art paintings of war scenes, making Colonial-era candles or tin-punching candle sconces are just a few ideas for decorative holiday crafts.
Many Americans have family heirlooms dating back the Revolutionary War era. Preserving these historic relics provides the opportunity for unique and personal craft and project ideas. Framing family quilts dating to the Revolutionary War, creating shadowboxes to display small heirloom pieces, and making greeting cards from color-copied family sketches or watercolors all provide a means of preserving and celebrating personal family histories. However, more extensive projects, such as restoring and preserving paintings or furniture from the era, should be left to professionals.