Empty Glass Jar Crafts
Kids have a way of using their imaginations to turn everyday objects into something extraordinary. A large cardboard box can be a house, car or spaceship, a rock can be their dog or a walkie-talkie, and a hairbrush can be a microphone used in their on-stage singing debut. With an empty glass jar and some craft supplies, they can use all of that imagination to create some wonderful crafts. Here are ten ideas you can use to help them along.
1. Beach in a jar - This is a fun project for kids who have been to the beach recently and gathered seashells. Simply put some sand in the bottom of the jar, and add lots of shells and some driftwood. A larger shell can be glued to the lid for a finishing touch.
2. Lantern or candleholder - This is a good project for a glass jar of any size. The kids can use glass liner and paint to create a stained glass look, or they can add semi-transparent material such as tissue paper to the outside of the jar with Mod Podge. For a lantern, a handle can be made with string or wire.
3. Christmas lights in a jar - This can actually be used for a variety of occasions, or year round with the right kinds of potpourri. Simply place a layer of lights on the bottom (clear works best if it’s not for Christmas), put some potpourri on top, and repeat until you’ve used all of the lights, leaving the cord on the outside. Cover the top with a doily, secure with a rubber band, and tie some pretty ribbon around it.
4. Flower vase - Glass jars make charming vases. All that’s needed to spruce them up is some glass paint, and maybe some stick-on jewels. Dried flowers or pieces of fabric could also be added with Mod Podge. If the opening seems too large, and adult can cut a large hole in the lid and let the child cover it with ribbon.
5. Cake in a jar - Find a good cake recipe, and measure out the dry, non-perishable ingredients. Then add one ingredient to the jar at a time, and do not mix. This creates a nice layered look and gives the recipient most of the ingredients to make a delicious homemade cake. Write the recipe on a tag and attach it with ribbon.
6. Jar lamp - You can find jar lamp kits online that include the electrical parts. All your child has to do is put some paper shred in the bottom, add any items that he wants to the jar, and add a lampshade. You can find a decorative shade at a local discount store, or your child can use markers or fabric paint to decorate a plain one.
7. Bank - Jars make great banks. Simply cut a slot in the lid to put change in, and let your child decorate the outside as he chooses.
8. Jack-o-lantern jar - This is a great Halloween project. Cut shapes for the eyes, nose and mouth out of masking tape, and place them on the jar. Paint with orange paint, and remove tape when dry. Add a candle or small light to make it glow.
9. Candy jar - This can be decorated any way your child likes. Fill it with candy and give it as a gift, or keep it on the coffee table for guests to enjoy.
10. Planter - Put pebbles in the bottom of a small canning jar, then fill with potting soil. Plant herb or flower seeds, and put in the windowsill.
