We’ve taken our simple firefly jar idea and decided to create personalised Dream Jars just like in Roald Dahl’s, ‘BFG’ follow our simple step-by-step tutorial, and make sure to share your own creations with us!
“Dreams,” he said, “Is very mysterious things. They is floating around in the air like little wispy-misty bubbles. And all the time they is searching for sleeping people.” – Roald Dahl, BFG
It’s almost half-term (already for some) and we’re kind of locked-down again…so if we can’t get out too much then what a perfect time to get crafty!
We’ve taken our simple firefly jar idea for party activities and made them into dream jars! Just like the BFG’s. We found this process so therapeutic and easy to do, you can make each one really personal and decorate them in any way you choose. You could even bring the outside inside and decorate them with leaves and flowers.
All you will need to complete this craft is;
- Glass mason jar
- Ribbon
- Battery-powered fairy lights
- Clear PVA glue
- Glitter
- Strung tags or just a marker pen
- Decorations of your choice!
We searched the house for bits and bobs from previous crafts for our dream jars, we chose buttons, gems, woodland stickers, and plenty of glitter. You can decorate them however you choose, you could get super elaborate and make fine pieces of art, presents for family and friends, or just use sharpie markers to colour them in. Try experimenting with shapes and patterns.
Step One
Firstly use a thick paintbrush to spread clear PVA glue around the inside ready for the glitter to stick to. We spread it evenly but you could do a swirling pattern or spots.
Step Two
Add your glitter, pop the lid back on and shake around the jar! I think this looks really effective especially when you add the fairy lights. Leave to dry thoroughly.
Step Three
Now time for the really fun bit. Decorate your jar in any way you choose! You could even explain the story of the BFG to children and get them to imagine what dreams they would be trapping inside. This could work well for children who suffer from nightmares. You could potentially get them to ‘shut their nightmares in the jar’ and see if that helps them in any way.
Step Four
Add a ribbon to the top of the jar if you want one. We used a strung tag to label our dream jar, but you could use paper and stick it on or use a marker pen and write directly onto the jar.
Step Five
Finally, sprinkle in your magic!… I mean fairy lights. These little firefly battery operated lights are perfect and great value for money.
Check out our final creations, what do you think?
It doesn’t matter how you choose to decorate your dream jars as long as you’re having fun. This is a really engaging activity to do with children of varying ages. We loved making them so much. Why not try this out this half-term?
