Ingredients
- Clear jars (1)
- Black paint (suitable for jar's material)
- Cotton balls (several)
- Glow-in-the-dark paint
- Paintbrush (1)
- Optional glitter
Instructions
- Paint the inside of the jar. Apply black paint to the interior of the clear jar with a paintbrush. Aim for an even coating, but avoid adding so much paint that it runs or pools. Set the jar somewhere stable and let the paint dry completely, following the paint manufacturer’s directions.
- Prepare the cotton clouds. Take a cotton ball and gently pull it apart into smaller pieces. Separate the fibers enough to create soft, irregular shapes rather than leaving each piece as a tight ball. Make several pieces before you begin filling the jar so you can arrange them easily.
- Coat the cotton with glow-in-the-dark paint. Dip the cotton pieces into the glow-in-the-dark paint. Add enough to coat them for the glowing effect, while taking care not to compress them into dense clumps. If the paint label gives specific instructions for use or drying, follow those directions.
- Place the cotton inside the jar. Arrange the painted cotton pieces inside the jar to form layers or cloudlike patches. Press them into place gently and leave some visible space between sections if you want the scene to look varied. Take a moment to check the arrangement through the clear sides before moving on.
- Add glitter if you like. Sprinkle a little glitter inside the jar for extra sparkle. It is optional, so skip it if you prefer a simpler look or want to keep the loose materials to a minimum. If you use glitter, add it carefully so it lands where you want it.
- Close the jar. Once the jar contains the cotton and any glitter, close it securely. Check that the lid is properly seated before handling or displaying the finished piece.
- Charge the paint. Expose the closed jar to light so the glow-in-the-dark paint can charge. Follow the paint label for any product-specific guidance. The brightness and duration of the glow may vary depending on the paint and how it has been charged.
- Enjoy the glow. Turn off the lights and look at your galaxy jar. If the glow is faint, expose it to light again and check the paint manufacturer’s recommendations. Keep the jar closed while it is on display.
Notes
Keep the jar stable while you paint it, and work on a protected surface. An adult should handle any steps that involve paint around children. Follow safety guidance on the paint labels.
