Halloween Decor: How to Make Glowing Specimen Jars
Brighten your Halloween decorations with these neon-green, glowing jars that look like they came straight out of a mad scientist's laboratory.
Florescent-green, battery-operated tea-light candles are the secret to getting these spooky laboratory potions to glow. The remote-controlled lights are waterproof and cost about $25 for a pack of 10. After Halloween, you can change the color of the tea lights and use them for other holidays or decorating projects. Our free specimen jar labels also make this project easy and inexpensive.
Jessyca Williams
Tools and Materials:
- 32 oz. plastic jars (can use recycled jars)
- 64 oz. plastic jars (can use recycled jars)
- distilled water
- neon-green acrylic paint
- stir stick
- large plastic bugs
- waterproof remote-control lights
- hot glue gun
- our free specimen jar labels
- paper straw
1. Prep + Fill the Jars
Clean and completely remove the labels from the jars and lids. Fill the jars almost to the top with distilled water. Distilled water will last about a month and not get moldy. Add 2 to 3 drops of neon-green paint into each bottle and stir.
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
2. Add Bugs
Insert toy plastic bugs into each jar. One large bug works better than a few smaller ones.
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
3. Glue On Lights
Remote-controlled, waterproof LED lights will give the jars an eerie glow. Use hot glue to attach the lights to the underside of the lids. Screw the lids onto the jars and test that they work. Be sure the water level touches the lights, or you’ll get a reflection instead of a glow.
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
4. Print + Age the Labels
Print the template for the labels onto shipping labels. To make the labels look old and gnarly, use a straw to drip coffee down the label while holding it upright. Allow this to dry completely. Rip the edges of the labels for a worn look. Stick the labels to the jars and place them.
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
5. Light Up the Jars
Turn on the lights in each jar and watch them glow.
Jessyca Williams
