Are you looking for a fun and easy DIY project that will mesmerize both kids and adults alike?
Look no further than the classic calm down jar, filled with glitter suspended in water. But what if you don’t have corn syrup on hand?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a glitter jar without corn syrup, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
So grab a water bottle or mason jar, some glitter, and let’s get started!
How To Suspend Glitter In Water Without Corn Syrup?
To make a glitter jar without corn syrup, you’ll need a few basic ingredients: water, clear glue, glitter, and liquid watercolors or food coloring (optional).
First, start with a clean and empty container. You can use a mason jar or a water bottle with smooth sides.
Next, pour in one bottle of clear glue (not white glue that dries clear). If you don’t have clear glue, you can use glitter glue or even corn syrup as a substitute.
Then, add hot water to the container. If you’re using regular glue, room temperature water is fine. But if you’re using glitter glue, make sure the water is hot (boiling water works best) to prevent the glitter from becoming clumpy and separating.
After adding the water, stir the mixture until the glue is fully dissolved.
Now it’s time to add the glitter! Use mostly super fine glitter with a little regular-sized glitter for variety. You can also add sequins, beads, shells, plastic jewels, or anything else that sparkles.
If you want to add color to your glitter jar, you can use liquid watercolors or food coloring. Just be careful not to add too much or it will be difficult to see the glitter.
Once you’ve added all your ingredients, put the lid on securely and shake the container vigorously. Watch as the glitter swirls and sparkles before settling down.
If you’re having trouble getting the glitter to suspend evenly in the water, try adding a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension. You can also try adding more water or a thickener like gelatin or agar agar to help suspend the glitter.
Finally, use strong glue or duct tape to fasten the lid to the container and prevent any spills. And there you have it – a beautiful and mesmerizing glitter jar without corn syrup!
Why Use Corn Syrup In A Glitter Jar?
Corn syrup is often used in glitter jars because it thickens the water and prevents the glitter from settling too quickly. When mixed with water, corn syrup creates a viscous solution that allows the glitter to slowly fall and create a shimmering effect. This effect is difficult to achieve with just water and glitter, as the glitter tends to clump together and settle at the bottom of the container.
Corn syrup is also a common ingredient in sensory bottles and calming jars because it helps to create a soothing and calming effect. When shaken, the corn syrup and glitter mixture becomes cloudy and opaque, making it difficult to see through. As the glitter settles, the mixture becomes clearer and more transparent, creating a calming and peaceful visual experience.
While corn syrup is a popular ingredient in glitter jars, it is not necessary for creating a beautiful and mesmerizing sensory experience. By using clear glue, hot water, and the right amount of glitter, you can create a stunning glitter jar without corn syrup. So whether you choose to use corn syrup or not, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the magical world of sensory bottles!
Alternatives To Corn Syrup For Suspending Glitter In Water
If you don’t have corn syrup on hand, there are other alternatives to use as a thickening agent for your glitter jar. One option is to use clear glue instead of corn syrup. Simply mix one bottle of clear glue with hot water, glitter, and liquid watercolors or food coloring (optional). Glue will give your glitter jar a longer-lasting swirl effect, and it’s easy to find in most craft stores.
Another option is to use glycerin, which can be found in most drugstores or online. Glycerin is a clear and odorless liquid that is used in many beauty and skincare products. It is also a common ingredient in homemade sensory bottles. To make a glitter jar with glycerin, mix equal parts of hot water and glycerin, add glitter and liquid watercolors or food coloring (optional), and shake well. Glycerin will give your glitter jar a slower settling time than corn syrup or glue, which can be calming and soothing for kids.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to corn syrup, you can try using agar agar or gelatin as a thickener. Agar agar is a plant-based alternative that is derived from seaweed. It’s often used as a vegan substitute for gelatin in recipes. To make a glitter jar with agar agar, dissolve 1 teaspoon of agar agar powder in 1 cup of hot water, add glitter and liquid watercolors or food coloring (optional), and stir well. Gelatin is another option that can be found in most grocery stores. To make a glitter jar with gelatin, dissolve 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder in 1 cup of hot water, add glitter and liquid watercolors or food coloring (optional), and stir well.
How To Make A Glitter Jar Without Corn Syrup
If you’re looking for a way to make a glitter jar without corn syrup, there are a few simple steps you can follow. First, gather your materials: a clean and empty container, clear glue, glitter, liquid watercolors or food coloring (optional), and hot water.
Start by pouring one bottle of clear glue into the container. If you don’t have clear glue, you can use glitter glue or even honey as a substitute. Then, add hot water to the container and stir until the glue is fully dissolved.
Next, add your glitter. Use mostly super fine glitter with a little regular-sized glitter for variety. You can also add other sparkly items like sequins or beads if you’d like.
If you want to add color to your glitter jar, use liquid watercolors or food coloring. Be careful not to add too much, or it will be difficult to see the glitter.
Once all the ingredients are added, put the lid on securely and shake the container vigorously. Watch as the glitter swirls and sparkles before settling down.
If you’re having trouble getting the glitter to suspend evenly in the water, try adding a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension. You can also try adding more water or using a thickener like gelatin or agar agar to help suspend the glitter.
Finally, use strong glue or duct tape to fasten the lid to the container and prevent any spills. And there you have it – a beautiful and mesmerizing glitter jar without corn syrup!
Tips For Customizing Your Glitter Jar
If you want to customize your glitter jar, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some tips to make your glitter jar unique and special:
1. Experiment with different types of glitter: Mix and match different sizes and colors of glitter to create a unique effect. You can also try using glitter in different shapes, like stars or hearts.
2. Add small objects: Place small objects inside the jar, like plastic animals or beads. This will add an extra element of interest and encourage children to look closely at the jar.
3. Use different types of containers: Instead of using a mason jar or water bottle, try using a clear plastic container or a vase. This will give your glitter jar a different look and feel.
4. Add scents: You can add a drop of essential oil or perfume to the water before adding the glue and glitter. This will create a sensory experience that is both calming and pleasing to the senses.
5. Make it educational: Use your glitter jar as a tool to teach children about science, math, or even emotions. For example, you can use the jar to demonstrate how oil and water don’t mix or to teach children about the different colors of the rainbow.
By customizing your glitter jar, you can make it a fun and unique project that your children will love. So get creative and have fun!
Benefits Of Using A Glitter Jar For Relaxation And Mindfulness
Using a glitter jar for relaxation and mindfulness has numerous benefits for both children and adults. Here are some of the benefits of using a glitter jar:
1. Calming Tool: A glitter jar is a proven mindfulness tool that can help to relax both kids and adults of all ages. The swirling glitter is calming and can help manage big emotions.
2. Focusing Skills: The process of making a glitter jar involves picking out colors of glitter to represent thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This helps children to learn focusing skills and pay attention to their senses, which can help them regulate their emotions.
3. Meditation Aid: The Calming Jar offers a practical way to “meditate” with a kid who doesn’t want to sit still. The idea is that your child can learn to use the jar on his own when he’s experiencing difficult emotions.
4. Sensory Experience: Watching the glitter settle in the jar can be a soothing sensory experience for children who are easily overwhelmed by their surroundings.
5. Visual Analogy: A glitter jar is an excellent visual analogy of the mind and how mindfulness can help us calm down and give the “thinking monkey mind” a rest. It can help children understand how their mind works when experiencing difficult emotions and how to calm down during difficult times.
6. Classroom Aid: Glitter jars are often used in classrooms with students who have Autism or other special needs as a calming aid. They can also be included in the curriculum as a science component to teach children about viscosity, density, and suspension.
