When my 3 year old son “Onetime” and I recently read a wonderful little storybook about how each and every person “sparkles” when they are happy, he said, “But I can’t SEE the sparkles Mama!”
It was then that the idea for a swirly, glittery, violet-coloured (perfect for relaxation) “Magic Sparkles Calming Jar” developed. Find the instructions today to make this wonderful relaxation tool that is super simple to make, and crazy fun to shake!
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In the story, Angel Violet’s Magic Wings
, kids are guided through a gradual relaxation process where they imagine that all their yucky feelings are being swept away by the magic wings of a violet-coloured angel.
The idea is that when we are happy and relaxed, we all “sparkle” and when we are stressed out or upset, our sparkles get cloudy and dark.
My son and I really enjoyed the story, and I have found it to be a terrific relaxation tool and a great way to talk about feelings.
However, Onetime couldn’t seem to get past the idea that he really couldn’t SEE these sparkles! So I decided to make him a little pretend gift from the Angel Violet character – a jar full of “captured” sparkles.
It arrived one day on our doorstep with a note from Angel Violet that said:
If you would like a FREE printable PDF copy of this note, download one here from our Free Printables page.
Onetime was so excited when we read this note together and he really loves his magic sparkles calming jar. He shakes it often for fun and watches the glitter lazily swirl around the bottle until it settles.
The liquid inside looks just like how you might picture Angel Violet as she is swirling around sweeping away your stress! It’s so hard to capture how COOL this is with only photos.
We always have it by our side when we’re reading the book, and it’s a good physical reminder of how our “sparkles” get cloudy (the jar when sitting still) when we’re upset or stressed out, and how taking the time to change our thinking (shaking the jar!) helps get our happy/relaxed/sparkly mood back!
To make your calming jar, you will need…
Calming Jar Supplies
- a glass or plastic jar with a tight fighting lid (we used an empty instant coffee jar)
- some soap that contains Glycol Stearate (we used Softsoap brand)
- water
- red and blue food colouring (or purple)
- purple glitter (we used this kind- ART GLITTER #284 FRENCH LILAC, ULTRAFINE TRANSPARENT GLITTER 1 OZ JAR
)
)Making the Magic Sparkles Calming Jar
All you do is fill the jar up to approximately 1/4 to 1/3 full of soap, then add water to fill up the rest of the space.
When the water gets to the top, keep it running until all the bubbles overflow and are gone.
To add the violet colour, add 2 drops of red and 1 drop of blue food colouring into your jar.
Add approximately 1 teaspoon of purple glitter.
Screw the cap on tightly and SHAKE!
Warning: If you’re not entirely sure your jar seals tightly – find another jar – or add some hot glue or colourful duct tape around the lid.
That’s it for our Magic Sparkles Calming Jar! If you want to learn more about Angel Violet, you can also visit this special website: AngelVioletsMagicWings.com
If you like this activity, you may also want to check out our collection of Tips to Support Kids with Anxiety.
Follow One Time Through’s board Emotional Health for Kids on Pinterest.
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Enjoy some sparkly, relaxing fun!
