Firefly Jar Craft

 

This summer the theme for the reading program was Dream Big, Read!  The library planned thematic programs, one for the preschool set was a cute craft found on Pinterest.  A jar made into a firefly using foam sheets and glow sticks. The difficulty was finding the proper jar for the craft.  Oriental Trading has 4" jars for sale, which was a possibility.  The Pinterest post used glass jars, not really an option for preschoolers.  The solution came after we finished a sand art program, the plastic jars the sand came in were perfect for the firefly craft.  We started the program with Eric Carle's The Very Lonely Firefly and moved right into the craft.

Materials:
4 to 5 inch tall clear jars
Foam sheets in assorted bright colors
Chenille stems
Wiggle eyes approximately 1/2" to 1"
Markers to draw mouth
Assorted shapes and colors foam stickers
Glue dots, glue, two-way tape, tape
4 inch glow sticks (we found 2 for a dollar at the dollar store)

Cut two larger ovals, one for the head and one for the tummy.
Cut two wing shapes.
Cut one or two nose circles.

Assembly:
Put jar lid on before making the firefly.
Decorate the face with one or two circles for the nose, wiggle eyes, draw a mouth.  Tape a chenille stem that has been bent in two and curled at the ends to the back of the head.  Attach to the lid.
Using 2-way tape, glue, and glue dots attached tummy oval and wings.
Decorate the wings and tummy with stickers.
Open and place the glow stick inside, the hard part is to wait to break the stick until it's dark.

It's hard to photograph in a dark room, but here is how the firefly looks with the glow stick.