Ingredients
- 1 clear glass jar with a lid, 1 quart capacity and about 4 inches wide
- 1 battery-operated warm white LED light strand, 3 feet long, with a small battery box
- 1 small bottle of glass or multi-surface craft paint, 2 fluid ounces, in a light color
- 1 small bottle of glass or multi-surface craft paint, 2 fluid ounces, in a second color
- 1 small bottle of glass or multi-surface craft paint, 2 fluid ounces, in a third color
- 1 small bottle of clear water-based craft sealer, 2 fluid ounces (optional)
- 1 small round detail paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 foam pouncer or cotton swab, 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide
- 1 paper plate or small palette, about 6 inches wide
- 1 cup warm water for rinsing the brush
- 4 paper towels, at least 8 inches square
- 1 lint-free cloth, about 12 inches square
- 1 sheet of fine sandpaper, 220 grit, optional
- 1 drop cloth or 2 sheets of newspaper, each about 24 inches long
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile gloves, optional
- 1 small piece of painter's tape, about 6 inches long
Instructions
- Cover your table with the drop cloth or newspaper before you set down the jar, paint, and water.
- Wash the jar and lid with warm soapy water, then rinse them well and dry with the lint-free cloth.
- Place the jar upside down on a dry paper towel. If the lid has a sharp or rough edge, smooth it lightly with sandpaper.
- Pour a small puddle of each paint color onto the paper plate, leaving space between the colors.
- Use the foam pouncer or cotton swab to make the first bubbles. Vary the pressure to create circles of different sizes.
- Let the first layer dry for about 30 minutes.
- Add a second layer to the same bubbles and use the detail brush for tiny dots and short curved marks for reflections.
- Let the painted jar dry for at least 2 hours, or preferably wait 8 hours before applying sealer.
- Brush on one very thin coat of clear water-based craft sealer if desired and allow it to dry for about 2 hours.
- Open the battery box and test the light strand, then tuck the battery box against the back of the jar using painter's tape.
- Coil the light strand loosely inside the jar and guide it into the jar, leaving the switch accessible near the lid.
- Wipe the outside with a dry cloth, remove the tape, turn the lights on, and place the lamp on a stable surface.
Notes
Use only battery-operated LED lights and keep the light strand away from water. Children can help with washing, bubble placement, and arranging the dry light strand under adult supervision.
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
