4th of July Crafts for Kids // Calm Down Jars

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Keep little hands occupied with these 4th of July crafts for kids. Sparkly, swirly calm down jars will mesmerize kids and grownups alike.

kids with calm down jars

As a kid, I can remember feeling like the daylight hours of the Fourth of July would take forever. All of the fun stuff happened at night (namely fireworks).

So this year I’m preparing a few fun activities for the day time to help our kiddos keep from getting antsy. And these 4th of July crafts, along with our perfect fluffy slime, are just the thing! My kids love them (and to be honest, I do too).

4th of july crafts

Why Make Crafts on the 4th of July?

Making crafts or DIY projects during the day on the 4th of July is a total no-brainer! While the kids are excitedly waiting for the evening festivities and fireworks, there’s bound to be some down time.

Having a few craft ideas on hand helps to keep the kids busy and engaged, and gives you a little time to either prepare for the evening or relax and enjoy the day.

I also love that it brings some creativity to the holiday, and provides a teaching opportunity to talk about our nation and its history.

4th of july crafts

More July Fourth Ideas To Try

We have a whole library of really fun, festive, and easy 4th of july craft ideas for you! Be sure to click through these and pin or bookmark your favorites.

4th of july crafts

What Is a Calm Down Jar?

I think a calm down jar is a perfect craft to make on any holiday or day when kids are extra excited.

A calm down jar serves a few purposes. Firstly, it functions as a craft during the making of the jar. Kids get to mix, measure, pour, and make decisions about their creation. It touches on the mathematics of measuring and the artistry of design as they choose color combinations.

Secondly, once the calm down jar is finished, it functions as a mesmerizing sensory toy that can help soothe and focus your kiddo. Watching the glitters and sequins flowing through the jar has a calming sensory effect.

4th of july calm down jars

Reasons to Love This DIY Craft Idea

There are so many reasons to love calm down jars as a 4th of July craft for kids.

  • They’re a simple craft that most kids will be able to participate in, in one way or another. Kids can measure, mix, pour, choose colors, mix and match.
  • Calm down jars are pretty much a no-fail project.
  • Once finished, they’re useful and long-lasting. It isn’t a craft project that is a one-and-done, or one that you make and toss. They can be used over and over.
  • They actually serve a purpose! My kids keep their calm down jars in their rooms and watch the sparkly, swirly motion when they want to feel peaceful.

Materials You’ll Need

Chances are you have lots of the items you’ll need for these calm down jars already. It’s a 4th of July craft idea that uses simple materials. See our linked list below to grab the few items you might still need.

Clear Plastic Jars. Many people make calm down jars using mason jars, but for kids I recommend plastic so that it’s shatterproof if it happens to drop. You could use empty peanut butter jars, or get this style that we used.

Clear Glue. I got an extra large bottle to have some extra. It’s nice to have a little supply of clear glue around the house for extra projects (especially if your kids like making slime).

Glitter. I like to mix fine and chunky glitter for a sparkly and layered look. It creates a lot of visual interest and lots of things to observe in the calm down jar.

Food Coloring. You can forego the food coloring and just have clear water, but I do like how the coloring accents the project and makes it a bit more visually interesting. It can also help you theme the craft to various events or holidays.

Glue Gun. For crafts with kids, I like to use a low-temp glue gun. The glue still holds really well but the gun itself doesn’t get so hot and protects from burns. If this craft is for kids, it’s helpful to glue the top on so that everything stays intact inside the bottle.

Small Spoons. Use these to scoop the various glitters into the jar.

Funnel. A funnel is optional but could help younger kids to get their glitter into the jar with more accuracy.

how to make calm down jars

How to Make Calm Down Jars for 4th Of July Crafts

Let’s make these 4th of July crafts!

  1. To prepare your area, it might be smart to lay down a towel or
  2. First, fill the jar just over halfway with warm water. You want the water as warm as it can be without being dangerous for little ones.
  3. Next, add your food coloring. Go slowly here and add color just a bit at a time. You may even want to start with half a drop to make sure that your craft doesn’t get too saturated all at once. Add some color, screw the lid on tight, and give the jar a shake to mix the color. If you’d like more color, add in gradually until you’ve reached your desired shade.
  4. Now, add in your glitter. Spoon or funnel in various sizes, shapes, and colors of glitter. When you’re adding the glitter, you will find that it most likely sits on top of the water. This is fine for now. I recommend not exceeding one inch for the layer of glitter in the bottle.
  5. Next, fill the remainder of the bottle with clear glue. Try to fill as closely to the top as you can without overflowing.
  6. Once the bottle is full, glue the lid on with hot glue. This might be a job for an adult to ensure that it’s glued on completely and evenly.
  7. Once the lid is on, give the jar a good shake and watch the swirling, sparkling motion inside!
how to make calm down jars
how to make calm down jars
how to make calm down jars
how to make calm down jars
4th of july calm down jars

Ways to Customize Your Craft

I hope you try and love this 4th of July craft idea! And I truly hope it brings some peace and fun to your day.

You can always customize this craft idea to coincide with different holidays or occasions by switching up the colors or styles of confetti! It would be great for Halloween, Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or just a simple play date craft.

If you try and love this calm down jar idea be sure to leave a review below. Have fun! xoxo

kids with calm down jars
kids with calm down jars
kids with calm down jars
4th of july calm down jars

4th of July Crafts for Kids // Calm Down Jars

Yield: Calm Down Jars
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $10

Calm down jars are a perfect 4th of July craft to try with kids!

Materials

  • Plastic screw-top jars
  • Clear glue
  • Sequins and glitter in red, white, and blue
  • Funnel
  • Small scoops or spoons

Tools

  • Glue gun

Instructions

    1. To prepare your area, it might be smart to lay down a towel or
    2. First, fill the jar just over halfway with warm water. You want the water as warm as it can be without being dangerous for little ones.
    3. Next, add your food coloring. Go slowly here and add color just a bit at a time. You may even want to start with half a drop to make sure that your craft doesn't get too saturated all at once. Add some color, screw the lid on tight, and give the jar a shake to mix the color. If you'd like more color, add in gradually until you've reached your desired shade.
    4. Now, add in your glitter. Spoon or funnel in various sizes, shapes, and colors of glitter. When you're adding the glitter, you will find that it most likely sits on top of the water. This is fine for now. I recommend not exceeding one inch for the layer of glitter in the bottle.
    5. Next, fill the remainder of the bottle with clear glue. Try to fill as closely to the top as you can without overflowing.
    6. Once the bottle is full, glue the lid on with hot glue. This might be a job for an adult to ensure that it's glued on completely and evenly.
    7. Once the lid is on, give the jar a good shake and watch the swirling, sparkling motion inside!

Notes

I hope you try and love this 4th of July craft idea! And I truly hope it brings some peace and fun to your day.

You can always customize this craft idea to coincide with different holidays or occasions by switching up the colors or styles of confetti! It would be great for Halloween, Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays, Valentine's Day, or just a simple play date craft.

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