Today I am going to share with you a tutorial for my animal treasure jars! They are the perfect carnival party favor. It was so darling to see the kids light up when they got to pick out their favorite animal treasure jar to take home!
I love how easy this craft was. It really brings the wow factor to your party table without too much fuss!
Here is what you are going to need:
1. 25 half quart mason jars with lids.
2. 25 plastic circus animals small enough to fit within the center of the jar lid. (I found mine at Zurchers).
3. Gorilla Super Glue (Gel)
4. 1 can Rust-oleum Metallic Gold Spray paint or Gold Glitter Spray paint.
5. 2 bags (6 pounds) State Fair Salt water taffy blend & 1 bag (3 pounds) orange cream taffy, or watermelon taffy.
6. Ribbon of your choice to tie in a bow around the lid when it is done.
1. Gather up all your materials and get ready to craft!
2. Sterilize mason jars in dishwasher. You can either buy the jars new, gather them up at thrift stores, or snatch some from your mama’s pantry. Ha ha.
3. Glue circus animals to the ring insert of the mason jar lid using Gorilla Super Glue Gel. It’s important to get this glue in the gel form. It doesn’t run and makes it a lot easier to control. You only need a small dot of glue on each foot of the animal. Hold animal to the lid firmly for about 30 seconds. Set them aside to harden (about 10 minutes).
4. Lay out a large painting drop cloth to protect the surface you choose to spray paint in. I opened up my garage and laid out a painting drop cloth on the garage floor. The bigger the better to protect from overspray. Lay out each animal lid insert and the lid rings in preparation for spray paint.
5. Spray a light even coat over all the different angles of the circus animals and lid rings. Be sure to check the insides of their mouths and underbellies. Keep spray paint about 12 inches from the surface you are painting for best results. Wait 10-20 minutes while the first coat of gold metallic paint dries before giving it a good second coat.
6. While the first coat of gold paint is drying, fill mason jars with assorted Salt Water Taffy from Orson Gygi. *The blue ones taste like cotton candy!!! Just thought you should know. YUM!
7. Once the lids are all dry, place them on the mason jars carefully. Find a friend to be your partner in crafting crime, and have them hold the jars and assist you in your bow tying process! It is so much easier with an extra set of hands.
I just love the finished look with the gold spray paint! I actually made a few extra jars using small jam jars for the little babies that I knew would be at the party. They turned out so cute! I had a little three year old helper throughout this process, and he was in total awe at the gold spray painting process! He couldn’t believe we were turning these plastic animals into TREASURE! He was obsessed! I love the versatility of this project. You could pick any color to do the lids, and customize your party all you want.
I sure hope you have as much fun making these precious treasure jars as I did! My kids are loving them.
Thanks for crafting with me today! Be sure to swing over to Fresh & Happy to see more juicy Carnival Party details! I have so much more fun in store to share with you this week!
xoxo
Heather Cook
May 15, 2015 at 9:24 pmThese were such a hit with my kids. I’m trying to think of a way I can steal them for myself without them noticing.
Suzanne Harris
May 15, 2015 at 6:36 pmThis is a fun idea. I love the. look of the animals and jar lids with the gold paint. They are so a fun and creative. I also love that they don’t look like they would cost and arm and a leg. Thanks for the great idea
Carrie Munnerlyn
May 15, 2015 at 11:22 amI love this! Can’t wait to try it myself! keep the ideas coming, I can’t get enough!!!!