Prepare to be mesmerized by a simple but different kind of holiday craft project: a glitter jar that entrances with the sparkle of the season. It’s amazingly easy to make, and the result is as soothing to watch as slowly falling snow on a cold winter night.
Really, you can make one any time of the year using different colors, but these red and green versions are perfect for a holiday display.
An enchanting holiday craft
Glitter jars are often used as sensory tools in daycares to help calm children, but they’re pretty soothing for adults, too — especially during such a hectic, busy time of the year.
ALSO SEE: Make a homemade snow globe for the holidays
You can change these up with more than just color: Try adding some larger foil/metallic confetti pieces, such as stars and Christmas confetti, and keep your audience amused for hours (well, okay — many minutes). You also can use jars of different sizes — for instance, smaller ones for little hands.
If safety is a concern, use a plastic jar instead of glass, and glue the lid down with superglue. Little ones will be safe from broken glass, and you won’t have a mess to clean up.
Supplies for each glitter jar craft
- Glitter: silver and white
- Glass jar (6-ounce size)
- Water
- Glycerin
- Gel food coloring (we used red and green)
- Ribbon
- Superglue (optional, to secure the lid)
Directions: How to make a glitter jar
- Fill glass jar about 1/3 full with silver glitter.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the white glitter.
- Fill jar about 3/4 full with water.
- Add approximately 2 tablespoons of glycerin.
- Add several drops of the food coloring and shake to mix.
- Close jar securely (use glue, if you like).
- Optional: Tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar for a festive touch.
