CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--PAINTED GLASS JARS

Summertime…and the kids are outdoors, splashing in the pool, at the playground, playing sports. Except on those days when they’re stuck in the house due to summer storms and “I’m bored” becomes a common cry. Suggest they read a book during vacation, and many of you will wind up on the receiving end of a “parents are such dorks” eye roll.

Of course, you can allow them to veg out in front of the TV or computer all day, but do you really want your little darlings turning into zombies? Of course not!

So how about a crafts project?

Grab a few empty jars from the recycling bucket and have your kids repurpose them as vases or storage containers. Even though this is a painting craft, it’s one that’s far from messy, no matter how young your child, and it will keep all the kids busy and away from the TV, computer, and their smart phones for at least a few hours. The more glass jars you can scrounge up, the longer they’ll be occupied at something that stimulates their brain cells instead of numbing them.

Materials:

empty glass jars

rubbing alcohol

assorted acrylic paint colors in squirt bottles

clear acrylic sealer

glass paint markers (optional)

paint brush

1. Clean the glass jars with alcohol.

2. Squirt one paint color inside a jar. Allow paint to drip down sides. Let dry.

3. Squirt a second paint color inside the jar. Allow to drip down sides. Let dry.

4. Paint inside of jar with a third color. Allow to dry. Apply a second coat. Allow to dry.

5. Paint inside of jar with clear acrylic sealer.

6. If desired, decorate outside of jar with glass paint markers.