DIY Glitter Baton Craft

This project makes a fun gift which can be customized in many ways to make it unique. It should take less than an hour to create, so it's a good last minute idea, too.

Materials
30 inch length of ½ - ¾" clear plastic pipe
½ - ¾" white plastic end caps
Bottles of glitter in one or more desired colors
Glycerin
Rubbing Alcohol
Water
Waterproof glue
Funnel

Optional: Metallic confetti, metallic ribbon and a drill for streamers, paint markers

If you are adding streamers to the end caps, drill ¼" holes into the center of each end cap. Cut a dozen 8 inch lengths of the metallic ribbon and fold them in half. Slide the folded ends into the end caps from the outside, through the holes you drilled. Continue as explained below, making sure the glue seals the edges of the drilled hole.

Start by gluing one end cap to one end of the plastic pipe. To do this, fill the pipe with a thick layer of glue, enough to completely cover the bowl of the cap, and then press the pipe into the cap as far as it will go. Allow this to dry before continuing.

Place the funnel into the uncapped end of the pipe. Drizzle the sides of the funnel with a several drops of glycerin so that the glitter will mix with it as it is added. Pour your glitter into the funnel, mixing colors equally if you have more than one. Add no more than 1 Tablespoon total glitter to start, you can add more later on, if desired. You will add confetti, too, at this time, if you have it.

Remove the funnel and add a few more drops of glycerin directly into the pipe. Then, return the funnel and add 1 T of alcohol. Finally, pour in enough water to fill the pipe to within no less than 1" and no more than ½" of the top edge. Cover the open end tightly with the center of your palm and turn it upside down to distribute the glitter through the tube. If you think it needs more, turn it right side up and pour off a small amount of water before adding a little extra glitter or confetti before continuing. If you think the amount is OK, turn it right side up and proceed with the next step.

Glue on the second end cap just as you did the first one. Lean the baton against the wall in a corner, so that the wet glue can dry without interference from the water. Draw hearts, stars or her name on the end caps with paint markers, if desired.