Free Printable Firework Flextangle

Make your own fireworks show at home with this Free Printable Firework Flextangle!

This 4th of July, kids can create their own custom fireworks show with this fun and free printable Firework Flextangle! Also called kaleidocycles, flextangles are a fun, hexagonal origami project for kids of all ages to color, assemble, and turn. And turn. And turn! This is a great activity to keep kids busy during the day of the 4th, or for those who have sensitivities to actual fireworks.

Download the Free Printable Firework Flextangle template on cardstock. I've tried making flextangles out of standard copy paper, but it just isn't thick enough for this project. Color in the firework patterns using markers or colored pencils.

Don't want to color? No problem! Here's a Free Printable Firework Flextangle in full color!

Some things you should know before downloading:

*Artsy-Fartsy Mama printables are for PERSONAL USE ONLY (okay for home, school & libraries).

*You may NOT modify, sell, redistribute, or claim the design as your own.

*Please do not remove the credits/watermarks.

*If you'd like to share this project, you may use ONE photo and credit must be given to Artsy-Fartsy Mama and linked back to this post.

Cut the kaleidocycle out following the outer border. Don't cut anywhere on the inside of the template.

Use a scoring tool and a ruler to score all of the vertical and diagonal lines. The scoring tool will help you to have crisp edges and folding will be easier.

Fold all of the vertical and diagonal lines along the score marks. Fold the paper in both directions a few times to make the creases more flexible.

Add some quick-drying glue to the labeled portions on the bottom of the template. For best results, use a quick drying, tacky glue. You can also use a strong, double-sided tape.

Bring the other end of the paper around, like a tube. Line up the center piece with the glued section. Hold in place until the glue has set. Line up the other two ends and glue them to the corresponding glue guide. Hold each one in place until the glue has set.

Once the glue has dried, bend the 4 sections toward each other along the creases for further flexibility and to make sure none of the seams come undone. If the pieces come apart, you can re-glue or add a piece of clear tape over the seams.

Add some glue to both of the end tabs. Bring the two ends together, and place the end tabs inside of the open end. Hold the seam in place until the glue has set.

Sometimes the end tabs can pop out due to the pressure of rotating the flextangle. To add a little extra support, you can add a piece of clear tape over the seam.

As you turn the flextangle, it will look like bursts of colorful fireworks! When you first begin to turn it, go slowly. The paper needs to rotate through a few times before it loosens up and becomes more flexible. If you go too fast, you can pop the glued seams or rip the paper.

This is a fun project for kids of all ages! Smaller children will need help assembling their flextangle, but once it’s ready to play with they will be entertained for hours. I hope you enjoy making your own fireworks show!

Looking for more 4th of July inspiration?

Check out this collection of OVER 100 creative 4th of July crafts and recipes!!

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