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 DIY jar idea. It requires only a few supplies and the shine and sparkle it gives off will bring smiles of joy to kids’ faces.
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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. Perfect summertime boredom buster too. I love the simple ingredients because I’m a busy mom and simple fits our busy lifestyle the best.
Supplies Needed for DIY kids craft spring decoration jar
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 as well.
Using this tray also makes for a great storage solution for the unused spangles to save them for another craft project because I simply covered the tray with Press’n Seal wrap. 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.
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 decoration jar. This is the fun part because they get to design it.
Honbay 100 Gram Mixed Sequins and Spangles Craft Supplies, Assorted Shapes, Color and Sizes
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 addition too. The child can decide which way they prefer. That’s part of the fun!
Top off the jar with more corn syrup if desired.
Place the jar in front of a window for an 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 simply 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. I love this awesome stuff for wrapping food, crafts, painting! Though I’ve heard it doesn’t work as well in dry climates, in Minnesota, it works amazingly well:)
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.
Glad Press’n Seal Plastic Food Wrap – 100 Square Foot Roll – 3 Pack
Christmas Spangle Ornament
I made a corn syrup 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 DIY kids craft spring decoration jar activity and make some great memories together!
Check out these other fun craft posts:)
DIY Pool Noodle Goggle Holder Float
DIY Peanut Butter Bird Seed Suet Cake
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