Welcome to my latest blog post!
Today, I'm excited to share a delightful and creative DIY project that's perfect for families looking to combine fun, crafting, and the important lesson of saving.
We're going to transform an ordinary, empty peanut butter jar into a charming and functional money jar, inspired by the character "Nana The Naughty Savings Jar" from my children's book.
This project is not only a great way to recycle and repurpose household items, but it also provides a wonderful opportunity for parents and kids to bond over a crafty activity.
With materials commonly found at home and a dash of imagination, you'll create a unique savings jar that's not only practical but also a cute addition to your child's room.
Let's dive into this fun and easy project that kids and adults alike will enjoy!
Materials Needed:
- Empty plastic peanut butter jar with lid.
- Black marker or paint.
- Paddle pop sticks or small sticks from outside.
- Cotton balls.
- Plastic tape.
- Two soda bottle caps.
- Scissors (to be used by parents).
- Glue or a hot glue gun (to be used under parental supervision).
- Optional materials for feet (e.g., small blocks of wood, erasers, or clay).
Instructions:
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Prepare the Jar:
- Wash and dry the empty peanut butter jar thoroughly to remove any residue.
- With parental assistance, cut a slit in the jar's lid big enough for coins and notes to pass through.
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Create Nana's Face:
- Draw two dots for eyes and a big smile on the front of the jar using a black marker or paint.
- Allow any paint to dry before proceeding.
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Make the Arms:
- Take two paddle pop sticks or small sticks as arms.
- Attach cotton balls at one end of each stick using plastic tape to create hands.
- For fingers, use small pieces of rolled-up tape or cut small segments from a straw and attach them to the cotton balls.
- Glue the arms to the sides of the jar.
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Construct the Legs and Feet:
- Use scissors to make a slit in the center of each soda bottle cap. This step should be done by a parent.
- Insert paddle pop sticks into the slits to create legs.
- For feet, you can use small blocks of wood, erasers, or shape some clay. Attach these to the bottom of the paddle pop sticks with glue. Make sure they are sturdy enough to support the jar when it gets heavier with coins.
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Attach the Legs to the Jar:
- Glue the soda bottle caps (now with legs attached) to the bottom of the jar. Ensure they are evenly spaced and securely attached for stability.
- Allow the glue to dry completely.
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Optional Step – Skipping Legs:
- If you prefer not to add legs due to the weight of the coins, simply decorate the bottom part of the jar to resemble Nana's pants using markers or paint.
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Final Touches:
- Add any additional decorations or personal touches to your "Nana The Naughty Savings Jar."
- Let all the paint and glue dry completely before using the jar.
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Using Your Savings Jar:
- Start saving by slipping coins and notes through the slit in the lid.
- Remember, as the jar gets heavier, handle it with care, especially if it has legs.
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Safety Notes:
- Always have an adult present when using scissors, glue guns, or making any modifications to the jar.
- Ensure that all small pieces are securely attached to prevent choking hazards for young children.
Enjoy saving with your very own "Nana The Naughty Savings Jar"!