Thank you to Cricut for providing the materials for this creative project.
In this post, learn how easy and fun it is to use a Cricut machine to create a DIY Calming Jar for kids and adults. It’s the perfect homemade glitter jar for gifting and a great beginner Cricut project if you are just getting started with your machine.
What Is a Glitter Calming Jar?
A glitter calming jar is a jar that is filled with a mixture of distilled water, glitter, and clear glue.
Also known as calm down bottles, time-out jars, glitter jars, glitter mason jars, and meditation jars, a Calming Jar is a mindfulness tool that can be used to help kids and adults practice deep breathing to work through strong emotions such as anger, sadness, or anxiety.
How to Make a Calming Jar with Glitter
Practice mindfulness and remind yourself to “Just Breathe” with this calming glitter jar craft!
Making a Calming Jar is a simple and fun project for crafters of all ages. I really loved using my new Cricut to place the powerful message, “Just Breathe,” onto the glass. When I’m feeling worried or unsettled, just seeing those words helps me to remember to take 3 deep breaths to calm down.
I’m completely new to using a Cricut and have so much to learn, but I can assure you that it’s simple and incredibly user-friendly! Follow along with our step-by-step directions and video tutorial so you can design your own Calming Jar too.
Supplies Needed to Make Calming Glitter Jar
- 16-ounce glass jar with lid
- 1/2 cup clear glue
- Distilled water
- Hot glue gun
- 2 tablespoons “Unicorn Party” chunky glitter
- Cricut Explore Air™ 2 machine
- LightGrip Machine Mat, 12″ x 12″
- Vinyl Starter Kit
- Calming Jar Cricut Design Space File
Calming Jar Directions
1. Turn on your machine and open the Calming Jar design file in Cricut Design Space.
2. Place a 4″ x 2″ strip of black Cricut® Premium Vinyl™ on the LightGrip Machine Mat.
3. Check that the Fine-Point Blade is loaded correctly and ready to cut. Turn the dial on your machine to Vinyl.
4. Load your machine and begin cutting.
5. When the cutting is finished, remove the mat and weed the design with the Weeder tool.
6. When you are finished weeding, remove the liner from a 4″ x 2″ strip of Transfer Tape, then press it over the design. Burnish (rub) the tape over the design with the Scraper tool.
7. Carefully peel the design off the mat at a 45° angle, then burnish it onto a 16-ounce glass jar with the Scraper tool.
8. Slowly peel the transfer tape off the design at a 45° angle. If the vinyl sticks to the transfer tape and not the glass jar, burnish and peel again.
9. Pour 1/2 cup of distilled water into the jar. Unlike tap water, distilled water contains no contaminants or minerals and will help keep your calming jar mold-free.
10. Next, pour 1/2 cup of clear glue into the jar. We always use Elmer’s Clear Glue for our glitter jars!
11. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of craft glitter into the jar. For this project, choose a light-colored glitter that will not mask the design.
We used a chunky glitter called “Unicorn Party” from Target. The color reminds me of vintage mercury glass—it’s very pretty!
12. Fill up the remainder of the jar with distilled water. Wipe off the rim with a dry paper towel.
13. Last, use a hot glue gun to squeeze a ring of glue around the lid of the jar. Press the lid onto the jar and secure it with the metal ring.
14. Your Calming Jar is complete! Shake the jar well to distribute the glitter and glue!
Does Cricut Vinyl Stick To Glass?
Yes, if you use the correct vinyl. For this project and other glass projects, we recommend permanent Cricut® Premium Vinyl™ for long-lasting results!
More Glitter Jar Projects
How to Make a Calming Jar
Practice mindfulness and remind yourself to "Just Breathe" with this calming glitter jar craft. Perfect for kids and adults!
Materials
- 16-ounce glass jar with lid
- 1/2 cup clear glue
- Distilled water
- 2 tablespoons “Unicorn Party” chunky glitter
- LightGrip Machine Mat, 12″ x 12″
- Vinyl Starter Kit
- Calming Jar Cricut Design Space File
Tools
- Cricut Explore Air™ 2 machine
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
- Turn on your machine and open the Calming Jar design file in Cricut Design Space.
- Place a 4″ x 2″ strip of black Cricut® Premium Vinyl™ on the LightGrip Machine Mat.
- Check that the Fine-Point Blade is loaded correctly and ready to cut. Turn the dial on your machine to Vinyl.
- Load your machine and begin cutting.
- When the cutting is finished, remove the mat and weed the design with the Weeder tool.
- When you are finished weeding, remove the liner from a 4″ x 2″ strip of Transfer Tape, then press it over the design. Burnish (rub) the tape over the design with the Scraper tool.
- Carefully peel the design off the mat at a 45° angle, then burnish it onto a 16-ounce glass jar with the Scraper tool.
- Slowly peel the transfer tape off the design at a 45° angle. If the vinyl sticks to the transfer tape and not the glass jar, burnish and peel again.
- Pour 1/2 cup of distilled water into the jar. Unlike tap water, distilled water contains no contaminants or minerals and will help keep your calming jar mold-free.
- Next, pour 1/2 cup of clear glue into the jar.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of craft glitter into the jar. For this project, choose a light-colored glitter that will not mask the design.
- Fill up the remainder of the jar with distilled water. Wipe off the rim with a dry paper towel.
- Use a hot glue gun to squeeze a ring of glue around the lid of the jar. Press the lid onto the jar and secure it with the metal ring.
- Your Calming Jar is complete! Shake the jar well to distribute the glitter and glue!
Notes
We used a chunky glitter called “Unicorn Party” from Target.
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Lesly says
It’s amazing idea! And so perfect work! Thank you!