• Home
  • Blog
  • Disclosures & Privacy Policy
  • About & Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Kid Activities, Crafts and Printables for Fun Learning and Creativity

  • Create
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Colors
    • Math
    • Language
    • Science
  • Holidays
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fall
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Mothers Day
    • New Years
    • Patriotic Holidays
    • Spring
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Summer
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentines
    • Winter
    • Birthday
  • Food
  • Printables
  • Shop
  • Cart

February 3, 2020

How to Make a Rainbow Jar Craft for Kids: It’s so Pretty!

Follow these EASY directions to make a colorful Rainbow Jar with your kids or with anyone who loves rainbows (teens, and adults included).

Who knew a mason jar could look so pretty? Seriously, this craft is super eye-catching when it is done (I took tons of pictures you can see below because of all the pretty colors). It’s hard to believe it is made out of such simple supplies and that it is so fun and easy for kids to make.

Follow these easy directions to make a Rainbow Jar with your kids or with anyone who loves rainbows (teens, and adults included). Your mason jar will look bright and cheery and are simple to make with cotton balls and paint. This craft is perfect for spring, including in a science weather unit, learning about absorption, or having some St. Patrick’s Day fun!

Follow these easy directions to make a Rainbow Jar with kids or anyone who loves rainbows (teens, and adults included). The rainbow jars look beautiful. This craft is perfect for spring, including in a science weather unit, learning about absorption, or having some St. Patrick's Day fun. (#kidscraft #kidsactivity #craft #masonjar #stpatricksday)

My kiddos had tons of fun assembling their Rainbow Jars. They were busy counting, measuring, mixing, and pouring (talk about some good life skills practice).

My kids are 9 and 7 and needed no assistance to make their own Rainbow Jars. Check out their smiles and all the colors! Younger kids should be able to assemble their jars with a little more guided direction. You may also want to add a funnel to your list of supplies to aid in pouring if the neck of your jar is small or your little one needs more assistance pouring.

With three layers in, we already were wowed with the results!

Check out our action shot putting in our final layer. I think at the end of this rainbow we struck gold, at least as far as crafts go, this one is certainly a winner! hehe.

Look how pretty the colors look up close!

Follow these easy directions to make a Rainbow Jar with kids or anyone who loves rainbows (teens, and adults included). The rainbow jars look beautiful. This craft is perfect for spring, including in a science weather unit, learning about absorption, or having some St. Patrick's Day fun. (#kidscraft #kidsactivity #craft #masonjar #stpatricksday)

We used a large quart sized mason jar to hold all the colors. Feel free to use which ever jar you have on hand. You will just need to adjust the measurements. To do this, fill your jar with cotton balls to see how many can go inside. Empty the jar out and put them in a pile. Add an extra handful to your pile because when the cotton balls are in the jar they shrink. Next, divide the cotton balls into even piles of six so you have 1 pile for each color you are using (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple). Now you are ready to proceed with the directions, just remember to use your prepared piles.

Follow these easy directions to make a Rainbow Jar with kids or anyone who loves rainbows (teens, and adults included). The rainbow jars look beautiful. This craft is perfect for spring, including in a science weather unit, learning about absorption, or having some St. Patrick's Day fun. (#kidscraft #kidsactivity #craft #masonjar #stpatricksday)

SUGGESTED BOOKS AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES:

BECAUSE ALL ACTIVITIES ARE BETTER WITH MORE THINGS TO DO TOGETHER!

Click photos: Affiliate links to more information on these books we love! 

(Purchases through affiliate links earn us a small commission with no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy here.)

How the Crayons Saved the RainbowHow the Crayons Saved the RainbowCurious George Discovers the Rainbow (Science Storybook)Curious George Discovers the Rainbow (Science Storybook)Watercolor Rainbow Magic Art Set for Girls and Boys-Kids Art Kit with 6 Sponge BrushesWatercolor Rainbow Magic Art Set for Girls and Boys-Kids Art Kit with 6 Sponge BrushesLewo Wooden Rainbow Stacking Game Learning Toy Geometry Building Blocks Educational Toys for Kids Baby Toddlers (Rainbow)Lewo Wooden Rainbow Stacking Game Learning Toy Geometry Building Blocks Educational Toys for Kids Baby Toddlers (Rainbow)Galt Toys, Rainbow Lab, Science Kits for KidsGalt Toys, Rainbow Lab, Science Kits for KidsCreativity for Kids Rainbow Sandland, Pack of 1Creativity for Kids Rainbow Sandland, Pack of 1

 

SUPPLIES:

Click links and photos: Affiliate links to more information on these suggested products.

(Purchases through affiliate links earn us a small commission with no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy here.)

  • Large Quart mason jar-affiliate link (You can use any jar you will just have to change the measurements to match your jar. See adjustment directions towards the beginning of this post)
  • Acrylic Paint-affiliate link (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
  • Large craft stick-affiliate link or utensil
  • Glitter-affiliate link (Clear, iridescent, and/or silver)
  • Approx. 120+ Cotton balls-affiliate link
  • Washi tape-affiliate link (optional)
  • Water
  • 6 cups for mixing in (Shallow cups will be easier to mix in)
  • 1/2 c. measuring cup
  • 1 tsp. measuring spoon

Ball Regular Mouth 32-Ounces Quart Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 3Ball Regular Mouth 32-Ounces Quart Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 3Apple Barrel PROMOABI, Assorted Colors 1 (18 pack)Apple Barrel PROMOABI, Assorted Colors 1 (18 pack)Chenille Kraft Natural Wood Craft Sticks, Jumbo Size, 6 x 3/4, Wood, Natural Wood, 500/Box (3776-01)Chenille Kraft Natural Wood Craft Sticks, Jumbo Size, 6 x 3/4, Wood, Natural Wood, 500/Box (3776-01)Wow! & Spark! Mixed Glitter Pack by American Crafts | 24-pack | Includes 11 bottles extra fine glitter, 6 bottles chunky glitter and 7 bottles tinsel glitter in various colorsWow! & Spark! Mixed Glitter Pack by American Crafts | 24-pack | Includes 11 bottles extra fine glitter, 6 bottles chunky glitter and 7 bottles tinsel glitter in various colorsAmazon Brand - Solimo Cotton Balls, 200ct (Pack of 1)Amazon Brand - Solimo Cotton Balls, 200ct (Pack of 1)30 Rolls Gold Foil Washi Tape - 15mm Wide Japanese Masking Tape for Scrapbook, Bullet Journal, Planner, Arts & Crafts30 Rolls Gold Foil Washi Tape - 15mm Wide Japanese Masking Tape for Scrapbook, Bullet Journal, Planner, Arts & Crafts

 

How to Make a Rainbow Jar Kids Craft

Follow these easy directions to make a Rainbow Jar with kids or anyone who loves rainbows (teens, and adults included). The rainbow jars look beautiful. This craft is perfect for spring, including in a science weather unit, learning about absorption, or having some St. Patrick's Day fun. (#kidscraft #kidsactivity #craft #masonjar #stpatricksday)

DIRECTIONS:

(Printable directions available toward the end of this post)

Hi. Craft along with us and watch our tutorial or continue below to the directions and photos.

Fill each cup with 1/2 c. water. There should be 6 total cups.

For each color, add 1 tsp of acrylic paint to each cup and stir in the color. (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)

Divide your cotton balls into 6 piles of 20ish cotton balls.

Start with the first pile, pull each cotton ball apart a little bit and place in the jar. We used 15-25 cotton balls per layer. You want the cotton balls to absorb the liquid to show each color in the jar.

Use the popsicle stick to gently push the cotton balls down.

Sprinkle glitter on top of the cotton balls.

Slowly pour the first color of paint on top of the cotton balls. We found that it turned out best when we aimed for the middle. We started with the color purple (but forgot to take a picture of it, so here is us pouring the color blue).

Use the popsicle stick to gently move the cotton balls around until they absorb all the paint. You want the cotton balls to absorb all the paint to keep the color in place without having leftover paint that can leak into the other colors. You can add more cotton balls as needed, but make sure not to add too many that parts of the cotton balls are left white. If that happens just mix up a little more paint and water mixture and pour it in.

Repeat the layers in this order: (purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red)

  • 15-25 separated cotton balls gently pressed down with a popsicle stick
  • Glitter
  • One color of paint slowly poured into the middle
  • Cotton balls gently moved around to absorb the extra paint

Secure the lid on the mason jar.

Optional: Add washi tape around the rim of the lid. Now you can enjoy a rainbow without a cloudy day :).

Follow these easy directions to make a Rainbow Jar with kids or anyone who loves rainbows (teens, and adults included). The rainbow jars look beautiful. This craft is perfect for spring, including in a science weather unit, learning about absorption, or having some St. Patrick's Day fun. (#kidscraft #kidsactivity #craft #masonjar #stpatricksday)

Notes:

  • Don’t press down so hard with the popsicle stick that the paint squeezes out of the cotton balls because the colors will mix and look muddy.
  • If there is space left at the top you can add a layer of white cotton balls for clouds or add in another layer of paint and water mixture.
  • Keep the jar fairly still after assembled to keep the colors separate.
  • Eventually the colors will mix. Just like a real rainbow, they don’t last forever but are certainly enjoyed while they do.
  • If your child wants to leave parts of their cotton balls white, it’s totally okay.

Print the Directions Here:

Follow these easy directions to make a Rainbow Jar with kids or anyone who loves rainbows (teens, and adults included). The rainbow jars look beautiful. This craft is perfect for spring, including in a science weather unit, learning about absorption, or having some St. Patrick's Day fun. (#kidscraft #kidsactivity #craft #masonjar #stpatricksday)
Print

How to Make an Easy Rainbow Jar Kids Craft

Follow these easy directions to make a Rainbow Jar with your kids or with anyone who loves rainbows (teens, and adults included). The jars look bright and cheery and are simple to make. This craft is perfect for spring, including in a science weather unit, learning about absorption, or having some St. Patrick's Day fun!
https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/how-to-make-an-easy-rainbow-jar-kids-craft/
Total Time30 mins
Keyword: Craft, Spring, St. Patrick’s Day

Equipment

  • Large Quart mason jar-affiliate link (You can use any jar you will just have to change the measurements to match your jar. See adjustment directions towards the beginning of this post)
  • Acrylic Paint-affiliate link (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
  • Large craft stick-affiliate link or utensil
  • Glitter-affiliate link (Clear, iridescent, and/or silver)
  • Approx. 120+ Cotton balls-affiliate link
  • Washi tape-affiliate link (optional)
  • Water
  • 6 cups for mixing in (Shallow cups will be easier to mix in)
  • 1/2 c. measuring cup
  • 1 tsp. measuring spoon

Instructions

  • Fill each cup with 1/2 c. water. There should be 6 total cups.
  • For each color, add 1 tsp of acrylic paint to each cup and stir in the color. (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
  • Divide your cotton balls into 6 piles of 20 cotton balls.
  • Start with the first pile, pull each cotton ball apart a little bit and place in the jar. We used 15-25 cotton balls per layer. You want the cotton balls to absorb the liquid to show each color in the jar.
  • Use the popsicle stick to gently push the cotton balls down.
  • Sprinkle glitter on top of the cotton balls.
  • Slowly pour the first color of paint on top of the cotton balls. We found that it turned out best when we poured into the middle. We started with the color purple.
  • Use the popsicle stick to gently move the cotton balls around until they absorb all the paint. You can add more cotton balls as needed, but make sure not to add too many that parts of the cotton balls are left white. If that happens just mix up a little more paint and water mixture and pour it in.
  • Repeat the layers in this order: (purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red)
    15-25 separated cotton balls gently pressed down with a popsicle stick
    Glitter
    One color of paint slowly poured into the middle
    Cotton balls gently moved around to absorb the extra paint
  • Secure the lid on the mason jar.
  • Optional: Add washi tape around the rim of the lid. Now you can enjoy a rainbow without a cloudy day :).

Notes

  • Don’t press down so hard with the popsicle stick that the paint squeezes out of the cotton balls because the colors will mix and look muddy.
  • Use a funnel to help kids pour the paint in. 
  • If there is space left at the top you can add a layer of white cotton balls for clouds or add in another layer of paint and water mixture.
  • Keep the jar fairly still after assembled to keep the colors separate.
  • Eventually the colors will mix. Just like a real rainbow, they don’t last forever but are certainly enjoyed while they do.
  • If your child wants to leave parts of their cotton balls white, it’s totally okay.

KEEP THE FUN GOING WITH THESE GREAT IDEAS!

Rainbow Noodles and Fluffy Clouds Sensory Activity: Shaving Cream Sensory fun perfect for spring, learning about weather, or having some St. Patrick's Day fun with the kids.

Rainbow Sensory Bin

Rainbow Letter and Phonics Picture Match Free Printable: With an uppercase letter on the left, a lowercase letter on the right, and a matching phonics picture in the middle this free Rainbow Letter printable makes learning letters easy and fun. This activity is perfect for spring, St. Patrick's Day, or included within a weather unit.

Rainbow Phonics Puzzles Free Printable Set

Exploring Rainbows, Lights, and Color Science Play for Kids: Kids can create rainbows and refract light using prisms or cds like a raindrop while exploring color and light for an exploratory science activity for hands on learning. This activity is perfect for spring, St. Patrick's Day science, or learning about weather and rainbows.

Explore Rainbows: Science Fun

Filed Under: Crafts, Fun for All, Mason jar, Spring, St. Patrick's Day, Weather

Top Resources

  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar Printable Activity Pack: This adorable pack of engaging activities will teach children letters, numbers, phonics, fine motor skills, shapes, life cycle of a butterfly, nutrition, days of the week, and more. It makes teaching and learning fun and easy. (#preschool #kindergarten #printables #kidsactivities #homeschool) The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Pack $10.00 $6.99 + tax
  • Interactive Calendar for Kids: Print and assemble to teach kids days of the week, months, years, and holidays. #homeschoom #preschool #kindergarten Interactive Calendar for Kids *UPDATED* $5.00 $4.50 + tax
  • Alphabet Road Letter Mats: As students race around each track, they will practice letter identification and letter formation. Each track has green dots to guide children where to start, arrows to point them in the right direction, and stop signs to help them know when they have reached the end. (#preschool, #kindergarten #alphabet #homeschool #kidsactivity) Alphabet Road Letter Mats Printable Kids Activity $3.99 $2.99 + tax
  • Alphabet Phonics Spinners: If you are at home or school this set of Alphabet Phonics Spinners makes learning letter sounds fun and engaging. (#Phonics #kidsactivity #homeschool #preschool #kindergarten #alphabet) Alphabet Phonics Spinners Printable Kids Activity $3.99 $2.99 + tax

Follow Us on Pinterest

  • These little bugs took no time at all to make and are a pretty self-guided craft for kids. Little Tiger finished chopping potatoes while helping me make dinner and found our bags full of lids on the counter (3 bags to be exact–no lid gets left behind in our house :). Before long I looked over and there were 3 bugs staring back at me and no mess in sight! Since the little bugs sitting on my counter make me smile when I look at them I thought you should have some too.
  • This activity helps kids learn to count to 100, introduces them to place values, helps with number recognition and number relationships while allowing them to be actively involved as they learn instead of just staring at a chart with lots of numbers which can be overwhelming.
  • We love stars around here so naturally one of our favorite things that live in the ocean is starfish aka sea stars. They come in all different shapes, sizes, and textures so we have provided you with a free craft template to make a big, medium, and small size starfish craft with your kids. We also show you how to take your craft to the next level by giving it texture and folding it to give it dimension, and if you want you can give it added color with paint. Each one will turn out amazing!
  • When this sunset Tissue Paper Craft is hung in a window it magically seems to glow resembling the beauty of a real sunset on the horizon. No glue or scissor skills are required, so this craft is easy to clean up and perfect for kids of all ages!
  • One of the most beloved children’s authors has to be Dr. Seuss who happens to have a birthday coming up on March 2nd. Did you know he wasn’t technically a doctor?– but that’s okay we still love him anyways! To start celebrating my kids picked out Horton Hears a Who!
  • The set comes in a print-in-color or a color-me (coloring book) version. You can print the set out and assemble it, or extend this activity further by letting your students color their own spinner increasing their recognition of each picture.
Follow Me on Pinterest
« Rainbow Alphabet Activity: Phonics Puzzles Free Printable for Preschoolers
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Craft and Free Template »

Welcome

Hi, I'm Katie. Please click around to discover all the Kid Activities, Printables, Crafts, and Resources that have been created with care and love for your home or school. About us…

Search

Stay Connected Here:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest


JOIN A Little Pinch of Perfect's community via email to get

PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES, 

Special discounts, Crafts and Activities to enjoy at home or school. 

PLUS GET OUR 30+ Page SAMPLE PACK  TO START ENJOYING  YOUR EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!

*This is a free subscription, you can opt out of any time, and your email is safe with us.  

Thank you!

Check your inbox to confirm your subscription (we may have ended up in your spam folder). 

Fun is waiting, just for you. Just one more step to access your FREE Printables. 

.

Today’s Resource:

Popular Categories

  • Printables
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Sensory Play
  • Book Activities
  • Language
  • Math
  • Science

Today's Favorites!

  • Ocean Animal Coffee Filter Suncatcher Kids Craft and Free Template (summer, ocean, whale, shark, dolphin, kids craft) Ocean Craft: Sea Animal Coffee Filter Suncatcher for Kids + Pattern
  • DIY Bouncing Bubbles Recipe: An easy recipe to make using sugar, water, and soap for lots of fun with the kids (summer, outside, play) Bouncing Bubbles Homemade Bubble Solution (No glycerin or corn syrup)
  • Patriotic Suncatcher Kids Craft for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, & Flag Day! This craft is cute, easy, and mess-free. Patriotic Suncatcher Kids Craft for Fourth of July & Memorial Day

We participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program as an Affiliate advertiser to provide a means for us to earn a small commission of all sales by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. 

Copyright © 2022 · Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs