Patriotic Glitter Sensory Jar for 4th of July

Are you looking for a fun and mesmerizing daytime activity for the kiddos this 4th of July? This patriotic glitter sensory jar is a great toy that offsets the craziness and volume of the fireworks. It’s also a fun way to introduce some calming down time if the kiddos start fighting or being mean during the rest of the daytime festivities.

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Collage of Blue Glitter and Stars Sensory Jars with text overlay - Patriotic Glitter Sensory Jar

 

[bctt tweet=”This patriotic glitter sensory jar is a fun way to introduce calming down time if the kiddos start fighting during the rest of the daytime festivities.” username=”diyadulation”]

This year my family got some inflatable pools for the kiddos to play with on the Fourth. I know they are going to have a blast with the surprise but I also know that there are bound to be some tears and fighting because, hello, they’re my kids. I wanted a creative way to institute a time-out of sorts without totally ruing the fun.

That’s why I made this patriotic glitter sensory jar. It’s still like a toy and fun to shake and watch the swirls. However, it is also the perfect way to have one of the kiddos sit and calm down before going back to play.

 

Patriotic Glitter Sensory Jar on Blue Background

Of course it’s simply a bonus that I can swirl it and play with it when it’s not in use by the kiddos. Score! I could seriously watch the glitter swirling all day. Mommy time-outs are totally a thing, right?

 

Patriotic Sensory Jar Materials

Patriotic Glitter Sensory Jar Materials

Note: I got all of my supplies except the silver glitter, confetti, and E6000 at my local Dollar Tree.

Blue Glitter Glue in Jar next to Glitter Container

Step 1

First, empty your container of blue glitter glue into your jar.

Tip:

Step 2

Next, pour in your desired amount of loose silver glitter into the jar.

 

Blue Glitter Glue and Water Mixed in Jar

Step 3

Fill the rest of your jar with hot water stopping just short of the lip. Then put the lid back on and shake vigorously to combine.

 

Stars Confetti on Mixture in Jar

Step 4

Lastly, add your metallic stars confetti and again return the lid and shake to combine it all together.

 

Step 5

Then place a line of E6000 along the inside edge of your lid.

Tip:

Step 6

Screw your lid tightly onto your jar and allow to sit 24 hours for the glue to dry.

 

Glue on Jar Lid next to Patriotic Garland

Hand Holding Patriotic Glitter Sensory Jar with Garland on Lid

Step 7

After your glue has dried, use hot glue to attach a small amount of patriotic garland to the top of your patriotic glitter sensory jar.

Tip:

 

Hand Holding Patriotic Glitter Sensory Jar with Garland on Lid with text overlay - Patriotic Glitter Sensory Jar

Allow your mixture to cool before using the patriotic glitter sensory jar. The glitter will fall faster while the water is still hot. It swirls longer before falling once the mixture is cooled. If you don’t have any patriotic garland, don’t let that stop you from making this baby. It’s still a ton of fun even without the extra dash of festive. I use the leftovers from some of the other 4th of July crafts below so I already had it on hand. You know I can’t resist a bit of decoration on pretty much anything.

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Blue Glitter Sensory Jar with text overlay - Patriotic Glitter Sensory Jar

 

More Ideas You’ll Love:

Shimmery Upcycled DIY Patriotic Wreath

Are you ready for the easiest holiday wreath that you’ll ever make? This shimmery DIY patriotic wreath is so simple. All you do is wrap and repeat for a gorgeous red, white, and blue wreath to proudly display on your door this summer! Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.     Check out the written tutorial below!

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Collage of patriotic garland wreaths with bow and stars on door with text overlay - Shimmery Upcycled DIY Patriotic Wreath   [bctt tweet=”Are you ready for the easiest holiday wreath that you’ll ever make? This shimmery DIY patriotic wreath is so simple to and perfect to display on your door!” username=”diyadulation”] We are back this month with another awesome Thrift Store Upcycle Challenge! I knew I wanted to make some sort of patriotic craft but it wasn’t until I was at the thrift store that the idea solidified. If you’ve ever seen those garland wreaths at your local thrift store and thought, “Ugh, that’s hideous” and moved on: Don’t! The garland may be faded and ratty, but that plastic base underneath is pure gold for creating your own gorgeous wreath that actually fits your style. What’s even better is that the Dollar Tree always has fun and festive garland for a buck so you can grab the one you want cheaply. It’s like the perfect marriage of stylish and budget-friendly decor! I wanted to take this project a step further without adding a bunch of extra work for myself. That’s why I picked up a super fun glittery fireworks bow. It adds that extra bit of flair without adding a ton of time and work to the project, a dream for busy moms like us.   Patriotic Garland Wreath on Door

DIY Patriotic Wreath Materials

Fall Garland Wreath Fall Garland Wreath with Half of the Garland Removed from Plastic Base Plastic Wreath Base

Step 1

First, remove the existing garland on your thrift store wreath so that you have an empty wreath base to work with.  

Step 2

Next, take your red, white, and blue garland out of the packaging and start attaching it to the wreath base. Wrap one end of garland around a hook on the edge of the wreath base as pictured.   Red White and Blue Garland Wrapped on Section of Plastic Wreath Base

Step 3

Then take your garland down the front of your wreath base and wrap it around the inside hook across from the top hook you wrapped around.

Step 4

Take the garland back up and wrap around the next hook on the edge of the wreath base and continue wrapping back and forth to cover your wreath.  

Step 5

After one garland runs out, attach another garland around the same hook where the previous one ran out. Again, continue wrapping on your wreath hooks back and forth.     Garland Wrapped Plastic Wreath Base with Small Section Empty Patriotic Garland Wreath

Step 6

Continue wrapping the garland, adding more as needed, until your entire wreath is covered with garland.     Glittery Fireworks Bow with Tag

Step 7

Once your wreath is wrapped, remove the packaging from your bow but save the twist tie from the packaging.    

Step 8

Use the twist tie to attach your bow to the wreath by poking the twist tie ends through the wreath and secure them in the back.     Glittery Foam Stars on Wreath

Step 9

Lastly, glue on the glittery foam stars in sets of 3 at random on your wreath. I used one large star and 2 smaller stars in each group.     patriotic garland wreath with bow and stars on door with text overlay - Shimmery Upcycled DIY Patriotic Wreath Can you believe how freaking easy this shimmery DIY patriotic wreath is to make? It looks so pretty and festive on our door, especially when the sunlight catches it. The next time you’re at the thrift store, don’t pass up those ugly garland wreaths! Instead stock up for your holidays and create awesome, eye-catching door decor that you’ll love.

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patriotic garland wreath with bow and stars on door with text overlay - Shimmery Upcycled DIY Patriotic Wreath

And now for more thrifty goodness!

Check out what my fellow upcyclers created below!

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Fun 4th of July Desserts to Serve this Year

It’s time to get ready for the delicious part of Independence Day: the treats! I’ve rounded up 10 fun 4th of July desserts to serve this year at your celebration. If you need a treat to bring to the BBQ or simply want a sweet surprise for the kiddos, these desserts have you covered!

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

Collage of Patriotic Treats with text overlay - Fun 4th of July Desserts to Serve this Year

 

[bctt tweet=”Whether it’s a pitch-in or a simple celebration at home, get it started with a bang when you whip out one of these fun 4th of July desserts to serve!” username=”diyadulation”]

This year I’m stressing about the 4th of July way more than normal because 2 days after is when we hit the road for Disney! It’s not easy taking care of things for a celebration and making sure 5+ people are ready for a week-long vacation.

I needed some easy and delicious ideas to take the pressure off and that’s exactly what I’ve found. We might even bring some of the leftover desserts with us, because, yum!

Even if you don’t have an epic trip coming right after the 4th, there’s still no reason not to make is easier, right? Pick one or all of these treats to sweeten up your holiday celebration quickly and easily.

 

Learn to Make a Patriotic Watermelon Layer Cake (Made in a Day)

If you want a truly epic dessert that comes without the guilt, then this amazing watermelon layer cake is for you! Not only is it delicious, it’s so beautiful that it totally counts as party decor in my book.

 

Close up of Fireworks blondies

Fireworks Blondies Recipe (Ann’s Entitled Life)

Of course, you can’t go wrong with some blondies either. This red, white, and blue version is still super easy to make but has that extra festive pop that you’re looking for.

 

Star brownie sandwiches on plate

Patriotic Brownie Sandwiches (Mama of Many Blessing)

Put me down for any dessert that involves brownies. It doesn’t get must simpler to get your brownie and patriotic fix than these babies.

 

Chocolate dipped cookies with red white and blue sprinkles

Chocolate Covered S’mores Cookies (Momma Lew)

What about a quintessential s’mores treat? These cookies make it easy and mess-free to enjoy your favorite flavors this 4th of July.

 

Homemade red, white, and blue chocolate stars

Homemade Red, White, and Blue Chocolate Stars (Bride on a Budget)

These chocolate stars can also do double-duty at your celebration. Instead of only being a dessert, bag them up and give them out as favors to your friends and family.

 

Close up of Patriotic Cereal Stars on Sticks

Patriotic Cereal Treats (Walking on Sunshine Recipes)

Cereal treats are another easy treat the dress up for the holidays. This idea takes it to the next level and give you (and your guests) a convenient stick for enjoying your dessert.

 

Piece of American Flag Cake on Plate

American Flag Cake (Cincy Shopper)

Do you want a more traditional dessert to serve? If so you can’t go wrong with this fun American flag cake. It’s pretty, festive, but still super easy to make and serve.

 

Plate of red, white, and blue swirl cookies

Red White and Blue Swirl Cake Mix Cookies (DIY Adulation)

You can also take box cake mix and elevate it into something awesome like these swirl cookies. If you want to add a little something extra, turn them into ice cream sandwiches that you can cool down with on the 4th.

Patriotic Trail Mix Recipe (Kleinworth & Co)

Not all treats need to be coma-inducing sugary confections. This super fun and simple trail mix recipe is great for the 4th and also a fantastic snack to give the kiddos. It’s also crazy easy to customize and she has some tips for you to do that on the recipe too!

 

Redhot Patriotic Poke Cupcake on Plate surrounded by Red Hots and Fireball candies

Redhot Patriotic Poke Cupcakes (Intelligent Domestications)

These delicious cupcakes spice up your 4th of July celebration figuratively and literally. With hot cinnamon candies mixed with sweet cake and frosting, your guest will be you to make these babies every year.

 

Collage of Patriotic Treats with text overlay - Fun 4th of July Desserts to Serve this Year

Get your celebration started with a bang when you whip out one of these fun 4th of July desserts to serve this year! Whether your family is headed to a pitch-in or have a simple celebration at home, you can’t go wrong with enjoying one of these sweet treats.

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Collage of Patriotic Treats with text overlay - Fun 4th of July Desserts to Serve this Year