Description
Create a mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark fireworks effect inside a jar using simple household materials. This fun and magical craft combines warm water, vegetable oil, and glow-in-the-dark paint to produce swirling glowing droplets that look like fireworks, perfect for a creative nightlight or science experiment.
Ingredients
Scale
Materials
- 1 clear glass or plastic jar with lid
- Warm water (about ¾ full of the jar)
- 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Glow-in-the-dark paint (washable, non-toxic recommended)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Fork or toothpick (for stirring)
- Small bowl
- Optional: blacklight for enhanced glow effect
Instructions
- Fill the jar: Fill your clear jar about three-quarters full with warm water to provide the base for the glowing effect.
- Prepare the oil mixture: In a small bowl, combine 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil with small drops of glow-in-the-dark paint. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want a more colorful display. Stir the mixture well using a fork or toothpick to evenly disperse the paint in the oil.
- Add the oil mixture to the jar: Gently pour the oil and paint mixture into the jar filled with warm water, allowing the oil to float on top of the water.
- Watch the effects: Observe how the oil floats and how the glow paint droplets burst and swirl within the jar, simulating fireworks.
- Dim the lights: Turn off the room lights to better see the glowing effect created by the paint droplets inside the jar.
- Enhance the glow: To intensify the glow, charge the jar under a lamp or use a blacklight, which will make the glow-in-the-dark paint shine even brighter and create a magical fireworks display.
Notes
- This project is suitable for children under adult supervision, as it involves paints and glass jars.
- For a safer option with kids, use a plastic jar instead of glass.
- Glow-in-the-dark paint usually needs to be charged under bright light to glow effectively.
- You can experiment with different food coloring shades for varied visual effects.
- Store the jar with the lid tightly closed to prevent spills when not in use.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Craft/DIY
- Method: No-Cook
