Kids Craft and Gift Idea - Make Colorful ‘Sand’ Jars with Chalk

Kids can create unique and colorful layers of 'sand' in clear glass jars using chalk and salt. A great kids craft for an inside snow day, and the finished product is pretty enough to be displayed on a shelf or given as a gift. This is also a great kids craft idea to use at a child's birthday party.

Materials Needed for Kids Craft

*Clear glass jars with tight fitting lids
*Box of assorted color chalk
*Sandpaper
*½ cup of salt for each color of chalk
*Bowls
*Stickers
**Granulated sugar can be used instead of salt, but salt is a less expensive option.

Color the Salt

Place one-half cup of salt into small bowls, use a different bowl for each color of chalk. Have kids hold a small piece of sandpaper in one hand and a piece of colored chalk in the other over a bowl and 'sand' the chalk into the bowl of salt until the salt reaches the desired color. Repeat the sanding step until all bowls of salt are colored.

Create Colorful Layers

Have kids spoon the colored 'sand' into the jars to create their own unique design. The jars can have as many or as few layers as desired, but when creating several layers, keep each color layer to under two inches for best results. Jars can be tilted to one side when filling with 'sand' to create an altogether different layered look. When the jars is two-thirds full, have kids tap the jar bottom lightly on a hard surface to settle the 'sand'. Continue adding layers until jar is full, then secure lids into place.

Decorate Jar Lids

For the finishing touches, let kids decorate jar lids with stickers. Colorful markers or glitter can be used instead of stickers if desired. When giving sand jars as gifts, the recipient's name can be written on the lid of jar.

Party Time

When using this kids craft as part of a child's birthday party, the craft will flow better and there will be less mess if you make the bowls of colorful 'sand' ahead of time and have all materials lined up and ready at a station for kids to make their own party favor.