Star-Spangled Coke Sparklers (with a real firework!)

Decorate bottle: 5 min | DIY sparkler: 5 min | (real) Sparkler holder: 2 min

Nothing says summer nights like ice cold Cokes + gold sparklers. Whether it’s at a backyard BBQ or on a picnic blanket at a fireworks display, Cokes and sparklers are sure to be seen bouncing through the night air. For us, we’ll be spending July 4th in Chicago with my cousins. I love the idea of our kids creating their own Star-Spangled Coke Sparklers, so they'll have a great memory of our trip. They’ll have their own custom bottle, DIY sparkler and a (real) sparkler holder for night time. Not to mention, they can be used for fun tabletop decor.

Note: Supervise your kiddos while crafting, sipping and sparkling. DIYs are for Ages 5+. Creating Sparkler Holder is Ages 12+.

Supplies

8oz green glass Cokes
Sharpie White Paint marker (Water-Based, Medium Point) Erasable for mistakes. It will last through your party, just not hand-washing.
Pipe Cleaners 5 per sparkler
Straws
Tape Must stick to glass, ie. painter’s tape
#10 (10-inch) Sparklers optional

Coke Bottle DIY

Ages 5+. Be sure to supervise your kiddos while crafting!

First, follow the directions on the Sharpie marker to get paint flowing.
Keep a test bottle to practice and get your groove.
Pick a design, or create your OWN design, and go for it.
The paint marker is water-based, so if you mess up, erase with a moist towel and start over! Knowing it’s erasable helped me to draw without hesitation.

Inspiration Board

This part is dedicated to my Lettering Girls: Amber, Amy, Candace, Jess + Kacie. May your kids learn to letter as lovely as you do.

Sparkler DIY

(Follows the photos)

Cut 4 pipe cleaners almost in half (60/40 split). Keep 1 pipe cleaner uncut, and set aside.
Fold cut pieces in half, into "V" shapes.
Hook 2 of the longer Vs together into an X shape. Wrap one once around to secure.
Hook and wrap a smaller V.
Hook and wrap another smaller V.
Hook and wrap remaining Vs. As you go, start shaping the prongs form a sparkle.
Take uncut pipe cleaner and wrap the top 3” around the sparkle to secure the sparkler.
Add the straw for outer sleeve.
Tape to the back of Coke bottle.

Coke Bottle Sparkler Holder

Quick rinse empty bottle.
Use a cork screw to prick a tiny hole in cap. Make hole big enough to insert bare wire handle, but small enough to catch the coated part. See photo. The goal is to burn the sparkler outside the bottle.
Secure the cap back on.
Insert sparkler into hole, place in a safe area and ignite.
Stand back and enjoy!

Caution: DIY is for Ages 12+. Use #10 (10-inch) sparklers only. Please do not burn a sparkler inside the bottle. Also, keep a bucket of water handy to immerse burned sparklers.

Lastly, this Coke Bottle Holder allows kids to view their sparkler without holding it. If they are ready to hold them, check out these great DIYs: Sparkler Shield and Sparkler Holder.