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Spooky & Simple: DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Ghost Jars

These super easy, wonderfully quick, and incredibly memorable DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Ghost Jars are perfect for Halloween. They bring a whimsical, hauntingly beautiful glow to any corner of your home and are ideal for a cozy family craft night or festive decor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: DIY Craft, Halloween Craft
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Empty Glass Jars Mason jars, old spaghetti sauce jars, pickle jars – anything goes! Just make sure they're clean.
  • White Tissue Paper or Gauze for ghostly bodies, medical gauze for a raggedy, spooky vibe
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Paint or Glow Spray, find at craft store, brighter the glow, the better
  • Black Construction Paper for ghost faces
  • Glue or Mod Podge Mod Podge is great as a sealant too

Equipment

  • Foam brush
  • Scissors

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Make sure your glass jars are sparkling clean and bone-dry. Wash with soap and water, then let them air dry completely or wipe them down thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Using a foam brush, apply 2-3 thin coats of glow-in-the-dark paint to the exterior of each jar. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
  3. Step 3: Once paint is totally dry, wrap white tissue paper or gauze around each jar. Secure in place with a little bit of glue or Mod Podge.
  4. Step 4: Cut out eyes and a mouth for each ghost from black construction paper. Affix these features to the tissue-covered jars using a dab of glue.
  5. Step 5: Place your finished ghost jars under a bright light source (sunny window, lamp, or phone's flashlight) for several minutes to activate the glow. Then, turn off the lights and watch them illuminate!

Notes

Customize your ghost jars with different jar shapes, glitter, twine, ribbon, or fairy lights inside for an extra boost of consistent light. Experiment with colored tissue for varied effects. For success, ensure jars are clean and dry, apply thin coats of glow paint, allow plenty of drying time, and charge them under bright light. Store them in a dry place, protected from dust and prolonged direct sunlight to last many Halloweens. They typically glow for 30 minutes to a couple of hours after charging, depending on paint quality. These are a fantastic kid-friendly craft!