Looking for a cheap kids craft activity that is easy to make, simple, and quick with little mess? Try my DIY Kids Craft Spring Decoration idea. It requires only a few supplies and the shine and sparkle it gives off brings smiles of joy to kids’ faces. My boys made these jars in about twenty minutes and had an absolute blast. This would be a great spring break activity, Easter activity, or spare time activity kids will certainly enjoy. I love the simple ingredients because I’m a busy mom and simple fits our busy lifestyle the best.
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Supplies Needed
The supplies needed for this kids craft are very basic. They can be found easily in the grocery store and craft store or Walmart/Target type store. The supplies include the following items.
- jar or bottle with a tight sealing lid (either a cork stop lid or flap over lid that seals or mason jar)
- corn syrup (enough to fill the number of bottles you choose)
- spangles with spring theme (any style will work however)
- butter knife
- food coloring (if adding color is desired)
I purchased the jars at Michaels craft store for $1.59 and $1.69 apiece. The spangles only cost me about $3.00 at Walmart (or Michaels). Corn syrup is also pretty cheap from the grocery store. I already had the food coloring and mason jar at home. This makes for a very cheap, fun project the kids will enjoy.
I used an old cupcake carrying container from store bought cupcakes cut in half as my spangle holding tray. This works very well because it makes all the different spangles visible to the kids so they can choose their favorites. Plus with multiple bins several hands can grab pinches of spangles at the same time. It keeps the spangles mess less of a problem. This also makes for great storage for the unused spangles to save for another craft project because I simply covered the tray with Press’n Seal. I simply slipped the covered tray into our craft cupboard so it will be ready for another craft project on another day.
Making the spring decoration jar by first adding corn syrup.
The kids can easily fill their own jars with corn syrup almost to the top as the spout on the corn syrup is very small. Just watch them to be sure they don’t overfill it because a sticky mess results if overfilled. I like the flat jars for this craft project because more of the spangles will be visible and catch the light to add more sparkle and shine. Mason jars or squarish jars also work. The only requirement is that the jar seals well with a cork, rubber sealed lid, or screw lid. The kids like to turn them upside down too so having a good sealing jar works the best to prevent spills and leaks.
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Adding the spangles is the next step.
Kids have fun with this part because they can pick the designs and colors of spangles they want in their jars. They can search for spring themed spangles to add like flowers, leaves, and butterflies. Or they can make a mismatch. This is the fun part because they get to design it.
Next push the spangles down into the corn syrup with a butter knife. The thickness of the corn syrup allows the spangles to stay suspended down in the syrup.
Food coloring can be added for color if desired.
More sparkle shines from the spangles in clear corn syrup without food coloring, but the color is a fun additon too. The child can decide which way they prefer. That’s part of the fun!
Top off jar with more corn syrup if desired.
Place the jar in front of a window for added sparkle effect. The kids can tip it upside down and shake it to move the spangles down if they float to the top. Shaking it does help redistribute the spangles throughout the corn syrup and the kids love to do it. This is another reason a good sealing jar is important. Or use a knife to push them down again. Heavier spangles tend to stay down in the corn syrup better than the lighter ones. But by shaking it, the spangles can go down again into the lower parts of the corn syrup.
Easy Clean Up
For easy storage of the remaining spangles, simply cover the cupcake tray with Glad Press’n Seal (love this stuff!).
I wiped down the bottles to remove any dribbles of corn syrup and swept up the spangles. I had it cleaned up in five minutes flat.
Christmas Spangle Ornament
I made a corn syurp and spangle filled Christmas ornament this past Christmas. I used spangles and jingle bells. It was too heavy for the tree, but worked perfectly in a clear candle holder. I placed it on the mantle and it brought all sorts of shine reflecting the Christmas lights.
Make a Decoration for each holiday!
I hope you and your child enjoy this craft and make some great memories together!
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