This discussion thread includes a variety of ideas on the use of GLASS jars in art projects, including sources for jars.
An Exchange volunteer has consolidated this discussion. You are welcome to add to it.
Note: Many art teachers will substitute PLASTIC jars for glass, especially for younger children. There are numerous plastic jar supplies you can find online.
Mosaic Prayer Jars
Posted by Jan FPC Napa
We are currently doing a mosaic project for our "Body of Christ" rotation (preschool thru 6th grade). We are using empty baby food jars and having the kids glue on small plastic mosaic pieces I found at our local Ben Franklin Craft Store. You could have them use it as a "prayer jar" ... when they have a prayer request write it down and date it, put it in the jar. When God answers that prayer, they can take out the paper, write how God answered it, and then tell others.
Adhesive for glass beads on glass jars?
Posted by krisjpc
We are doing Daniel in the Lion's Den and would love to do the "prayer jars". What did you use as adhesive? We planned to use glass beads in our original project, so we already have those. The problem is we haven't found anything that will hold the beads on the glass jars without them sliding off. Any suggestions?
Replies....
Posted by Barbara in Portland
You could try mod-podge, if the beads aren't too big. Or, you could use wire: thread to beads on the wire and wrap around the jar, hot glue both ends. We did this for "David" with our anointing oil=it worked great.
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Posted by Jan FPC Napa
Gettin' those beads to stick!
I also was unable to make glass beads, jewels or tile pieces to stick to the glass jars without holding them in place for a long time, I'm sure it's because of the weight of the pieces. I knew the kids wouldn't have enough patience. So I ended up finding plastic mosaic beads instead. They were in beautiful "jewel" colors and a variety of shapes. I don't remember the brand name but I got them at our local Ben Franklin's craft store. The adhesive we used was also purchased there - Plaid brand "Make It Mosaic" adhesive. It did require the kids to hold it a moment in place (to the count of 10 we told them) but it worked much more quickly. A combination of the plastic beads and the adhesive were the successes for us.
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Posted by krisjpc
Thanks for the suggestions. We ended up using low-temp hot glue guns with lots of supervision. We also found that it helped to lightly sand the glass (beads and jars) with some coarse sandpaper before hot gluing. The jars are beautiful and tie in nicely with our focus on prayer while studying Daniel 6:1-28.
Other glass jar suggestion-votive candle holders
Posted by Nance
The prayer jars could become candle holders by placing a votive candle inside. I used these for a lesson on light before. If you wish to use pieces of colored tissue paper, thinned white glue is the best adhesive.
Glass jar source?
Posted by trishlynn
For our Woman with the Alabaster jar art project the kids are going to decorate glass perfume bottles. I have found the bottles in a craft store for $2.25, but with 50 kids that will get kind of expensive. I was wondering if anyone knew of any distributers that would have them a little cheaper?
Thanks for any advice
Trish
Replies....
Posted by Phyllis Wezeman
Most likely, if you put a request in your church bulletin for empty, washed perfume bottles of various sizes and shapes you will get more than you can use.
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Posted by Amy Crane
Or you can get small jelly jars (for canning) and let the children decorate those. They may be useful then not only as decorative items that remind children of the story but of containers that hold their offering at home until they bring it to church. Or dozens of other things that clutter up desks/dressers.
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Posted by dana
also - don't forget to check the dollar store. I find so many things I need for the workshops there! Dana
Exchange Volunteer modified title for clarity.
