I love the simple elegance of mason jars. They look beautiful when they are painted and lit up for the holidays. The great thing about this project is it can be done with children of all ages. It is fun for adults too.
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For this project you will need:
- One 16 oz mason jar per person
- Acrylic Paints
- Cotton swabs or paint brushes
- Paper Plate or egg carton for palette
- LED tealights (or you could use regular tealights but I like that the LED lights are mess free and worry free with kids)
- Butcher paper, plastic liner (such as a dollar store tablecloth) or re-purposed box to protect your work surface
Squeeze a selection of colors onto the paper plate palette. We chose red, green and white for the holidays. I found it easy to give each child one cotton swab per color of paint. This made clean up a cinch! You could also use brushes and have a cup of water for rinsing. Turn the jars upside down on the work surface. I used plastic kitchen bags as smocks. Have the children paint the jars. Spaces between the paint design look pretty when lit. A polka dot effect is really nice and easy to create with cotton swabs. Allow to dry. Use in the evening with tealights for a warm and dramatic effect. Our kids were really proud to see their creations lit up at night.
Theresa says
Not only is this holiday craft really fun and creative for kids to do, but this is also an incredible giveaway. It’s so thoughtful of the bloggers you know to do it together!
Theresa says
Thank you Theresa. The craft was fun for the kids to do and the group giveaway is a fun way to give back to readers. : 0 )
Alana says
These are so pretty! We haven’t used acrylic paint on mason jars yet, but these turned out quite nice!
Theresa says
Thank you Alana. It was fun for the kids to use permanent paint and their trash bag smocks gave me peace of mind. : 0 )
Michele-Kidcongeniality says
I love how versatile mason jars are for crafting. These came out awesome!
Theresa says
They are versatile and I love that you can buy them in bulk. I have never actually used them to ‘can’ anything before, only for craft projects. Maybe I will be wild and use them for apple sauce some day. : 0 )
Kate says
Such a fun craft idea! I love that there’s minimal set up involved – a quick fun activity!
Theresa says
Thank you Kate. It is super easy and the kids feel so good when they see their lights as part of the decorations.
Sue Parke says
Oh I love these! My mother in law uses acrylic paint and makes some beautiful stuff. I haven’t tried them with my daughter yet, she’s not even 3 yet so we still use Crayola washable haha, but this is something I’d definitely like to try when she’s a little older.
Theresa says
Acrylic is a lot of fun when they are a little older. I would not have attempted it before 3. I can just see my 4 with acrylic paint all over their hair at that age! They used to get tempera all over their hair and bodies. : 0 )
Linda Marie Finn says
Always love mason jar ideas, this one the kids can do for fun !
Thank you for the giveaway also !
Linda Marie Finn
Theresa says
Hi Linda Marie.
I hope your kids enjoy trying this out. Thank you for visiting. : 0 )
CourtneyLynne says
Omg how cute are those mason jar lights?!?! I so need to make a few with my daughter!!!
Theresa says
Thank you CourtneyLynne.
I hope your daughter enjoys making some. : 0 )
Rebecca says
It would help with the bills. A recent move cost more than we expected, & we’re still trying to get righted.
Theresa says
Hi Rebecca.
I wish you the best of luck. I hope you are enjoying your new place.
Susie says
This looks like so much fun! I love a good decoration the kids can be proud of!
Theresa says
It is fun to see them take pride in their arts and crafts creations. : 0 )
Tiffany says
These turned out so lovely! Absolutely adore these mason jars!
Theresa says
Thank you Tiffany. : 0 )