All-American Blast: Firecracker Memories & Summer Fun

There’s something magical about summer gatherings—friends coming together, laughter filling the air, and a whole lot of red, white, and blue! I designed this All-American Blast page to capture that exact spirit, and I couldn’t wait to share the directions with you.

The focal point? A festive firecracker burst that brings this celebration to life! I love how the patterned paper, bold title, and layered embellishments pop against the crisp white background. The top half of the page features a spray of firecrackers exploding behind a patriotic top hat and USA sticker—adding the perfect “blast” of fun to highlight your Fourth of July or summer party photos.

Below, a mix of stripes, florals, and bunting adds just the right touch of festive flair and movement. The photos are framed with red and navy, drawing your eye to the joy and connection shared in these moments. This is what memory-keeping is all about—preserving the energy of those firecracker-filled nights and the warmth of being together.

Step 1: Use Bright White cardstock for the base of the layout. If desired, draw a doodling line on the inside edge of the base.

Step 2:  Cut a 12” x 4½” of Blue cardstock.  Adhere 1½” from the bottom of the base.  Follow by cutting a 11¾” x 4¼” of Red cardstock and place in the center of the blue.  This mat will hold two 5½” x 4” photos.  Add a bunting border sticker below the Blue cardstock.  Use 3-D foam to adhere the “Let Freedom Ring” sticker at the bottom of the right photo.

Step 3: Cut a 12” x ½” piece of the Red and White Striped Border paper.  Place above the Blue cardstock.  Use 3-D foam to adhere the “The American Dream” sticker at the top left of the left photo.

Step 4:  Cut a 12” x 2½” Flowers paper.  Adhere directly above the border paper.

Step 5:  Punch ten Firecrackers making five from Red cardstock and five form Blue cardstock.  Tuck one Red Firecracker at an angle under the Flowers paper.  The point should be 1¾” from the left edge.  Next tuck one Blue Firecracker and at an angle under the Flowers with the point 4½” from the right edge.  Space the remaining Firecrackers forming a half circle and alternating colors. 

Step 6: Place the top of Uncle Sam hat in the center of the Firecrackers and on top of the Flowers paper.  Adhere “USA” to hat with 3-D foam and then tuck the flag sticker under the “S” of USA.

Step 7: Finish the page red and blue star stickers. Add journaling.

Here is what you will find in the All-American Blast bundle:

Thanks for popping in today and enjoy creating with All-American Blast!