DIY Galaxy Jars Instructions. Learn how to make Galaxy Jars, which is a perfect sensory bottle or calm-down jar craft that kids and adults alike will love. Scroll down to read how you can hold a galaxy in a jar, with this incredibly easy-to-follow tutorial.
A long time ago… just kidding.
Galaxy Jars
Be warned: Rumors of Star Wars galactic republic clone wars on Naboo may ensue…
So you can either call this Galaxy Jars...or Nebula Jars. Regardless of your preference, you can call it a super simple craft that will transform each mason jar you use into a galactic empire from unknown regions in the outer rim, full of wonder and delight. All kidding aside, it can easily be used as a calm down jar.
Now I am not quite sure why so many people call them Galaxy jars, other than our continued Star Wars enthusiasm, of course.
When completed, they really look more like a Nebula to me. Either way, they’re so much fun. If you are on a science kick, you can also try this universe jar which glows! I don’t like glow jars. Said, no one. Ever.
You can get the instructions to make this Nebula Jar below!
What is a Galaxy?
According to the dictionary
- A galaxy is a gravitationally bound system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas and dust, and dark matter.
What is a Nebula?
According to Wikipedia
- A nebula (Latin for “cloud”; pl. nebulae, nebulæ, or nebulas) is an interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium, and other ionized gases. Originally, nebula was a name for any diffuse astronomical object, including galaxies beyond the Milky Way.
Galaxy Jar Materials
Now to create your DIY galaxy jars, you are going to need just a few things.
First, a jar
, water, fine glitter
, paint
, and a ton of cotton balls
. Like, a ton.
Depending on the size of the galaxy/nebula in a jar crafts you are making, you may need as many as 3 bags of cotton balls. Since they are cheap, especially if purchased in bulk, it’s a good idea to stock up.
Helpful hint: If you are planning this galaxy project in the future, you can easily grab all those things below from Amazon. I know when I do crafts that I always get mad at myself for not having the supplies on hand, so getting them all at once helps me.
TIP: On the cotton ball link below you have an option to buy 500 count or 1000 count- I always go through WAY more cotton balls than I think, so I recommend getting the 1000 count so you are prepared!
12 Ball Mason Jar with Lid – Regular Mouth – 16 oz
School Smart Tempera Paint – Pints – Set of 12 – Assorted ColorsKendall/Covidien Prepping Cotton Ball, 500 CountMartha Stewart Crafts Iridescent Glitter, 12-Pack
Official Galaxy Jar Supply List from Amazon:
- Clean glass jar
with a lid - Tempera paint (at least 2 colors)
- Cotton balls
- Fine Glitter
- Water
How to make Galaxy Jars
1)Fill 1/3 of the jar with water to begin!
2) Add several drops of acrylic tempera paint to the water, put the lid on your mason jar, and shake to mix the paint and water.
3)Add a bit of fine glitter to the water and paint solution.
These are stars in your galaxy! A silver glitter would twinkle nicely, don’t you think!
4)Stretch out and elongate your cotton balls, adding them to the water until the bottom is filled with cotton, pressing them down into the water with a stick or a knife.
Fill another 1/3 of the jar with water and add several drops of contrasting tempera paint. Repeat steps 2-4 so your colors start to mix and blend into each other.
Fill the final 1/3 of the jar with water and repeat steps 2-4.
Now you have created a GORGEOUS Galaxy jar~! I’m not sure who loves making them more, me or my kids!
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Want more tips about how to layer and add the cotton?
You can learn more by heading to check out the ELEMENT JARS
Giving some different step-by-step layering techniques to build the jar you want! (can be used to build a nebula too!)
In addition, we did make a glow in the dark universe jar here too! Glow-in-the-dark paint is so much more chic than glow sticks in a jar!
Just click to find those instructions:
NEW! Create a Love Potion in a Jar (That really explodes!)
or maybe you want a different type of magical glitter jar: Fairy Jar
Again, Do not forget your supplies! You’ll hug yourself later, I promise.
12 Ball Mason Jar with Lid – Regular Mouth – 16 ozSchool Smart Tempera Paint – Pints – Set of 12 – Assorted ColorsKendall/Covidien Prepping Cotton Ball, 500 CountMartha Stewart Crafts Iridescent Glitter, 12-Pack
Jackie says
These look great! Do you think they’d work with acrylic paint instead of tempera?
Laura says
It says ‘acrylic tempera’ so I’m assuming it meant either.
hack for smashy road wanted - smashy road wanted money hack no says
Thank You for this.
Shelly Dowdle says
Wow! I can’t wait to make one. I was curious how long these last. Do they start to mold or anything?
trisha haas says
Mine never did because I kept the air out, but if its not packed tight it could.
Sam @ DIY Just Cuz says
These are so cool looking!! What is a calming jar? Pinning!
Melissa French, The More With Less Mom says
These are so beautiful. I love it. Thanks for posting. Hello from Motivation Monday.