If you’re dreaming of a craft that’s as mesmerizing as the night sky, these galaxy mason jars are positively stellar! With dreamy swirls of colour, glittery accents, and a hint of DIY magic, this fluid art project is a super fun way to turn an ordinary mason jar into something out of this world.
Paint pouring might look fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple. And with just a few supplies, you’ll be channeling your inner artist and creating intergalactic masterpieces! These painted jars will give your shelves a glow-up or they also make perfect twinkly centerpieces.
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How to Make a Galaxy Mason Jar
Materials:
- Mason jar(s)
- Metallic acrylic paint (or regular acrylic paint)
- Pouring medium
- Foam star sticker(s)
- Glossy Mod Podge
- Silver glitter
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Pour paint onto the jar
- Set your jar upside-down on a protected surface. Prop it up on a toilet paper roll (or something similar) so that it’s at least 1 inch above the surface.
- Add 1 part acrylic paint (we’re using metallic paint) to a small cup.
- Then add 1 part pouring medium to the same cup.
- Stir well with a popsicle stick to combine.Repeat, mixing 2 other different colours in separate cups.
- Pour the paint around the bottom of the jar (the current top) so that it drips down toward the mouth of the jar.
- Repeat, adding a second colour.
- Then add your third and final colour overtop.
Step 3: Blow the paint around
- Now use a drinking straw to blow the paint around.This will disperse the colours and blend them, creating cool designs. It will also help move the paint into the nooks or dips of your jar.
- As you blow the paint around, you may want to add a bit more of certain colours in particular areas.Adding the different colours in different layers and moving it around will make you jar look less streaky, and make the colour less bold/harsh.
- Once you’re happy with how the jar looks, allow to dry for 24 hours.
Step 4: Add star shapes
- Slide a craft knife along the neck of the mason jar. Then peel the paint off the top off the jar.Use the craft knife to help scrape it off, if necessary.
- Add star stickers to one side of the jar (the plain side, if your jar has any raised details).
- Trace around the stickers with a gel pen or extra fine tip marker.
- Remove the star stickers and trace around the shape with the craft knife, cutting through the paint.
- Then use the craft knife to scrape the paint away from inside the stars.
Step 5: Paint the jar with glitter Mod Podge
- Mix together silver glitter and glossy Mod Podge in a small bowl.
- Brush a coat of glitter Mod Podge over the jar.You can go over the star areas with the Mod Podge, or brush around them like we did. Allow to dry.
- Your galaxy mason jar is complete!
- Add a flameless tealight candle or fairy lights and watch your galaxy mason jars glow!
Helpful Tips:
- Use contrasting paint colours like deep purple, navy, silver, and magenta to get that iconic galaxy swirl. Metallic and pearl-finish paints really shine here!
- Test your paint consistency before pouring — dip a stick in the cup and let it drip. If it runs too fast, add more paint, and if it barely moves, adjust with more medium.
What kind of paint works best for this DIY galaxy jar?
We recommend using acrylic craft paint and a paint pouring medium for pouring paint on glass jars. This allows you to choose the exact colour and type of paint you want to use (metallics look amazing!).
But if you don’t want to mix your own pour paint, you can grab pre-mixed pour paints too. This makes the craft even easier!
Can I use plastic jars instead of glass mason jars for this galaxy craft?
Yes, plastic jars can work for this galaxy jar — especially if you’re crafting with kids or want something less breakable. Just make sure the plastic is sturdy and smooth so the paint adheres properly.
And keep in mind that glass jars tend to give a glossier, more vibrant finish. If your galaxy jar isn’t as glossy as you’d like when you’re finished, you can add an extra coat of gloss sealer over the paint pour galaxy to give it some extra shine.
What can I use to display or light up my galaxy jar?
These jars look extra dreamy when lit from within! Try adding battery-operated LED fairy lights or placing a flameless tea light candle inside the jar.
You can also set your galaxy jar on a rotating base or light-up stand to really show off the swirl effect.
These galaxy mason jars are seriously magical — and so much fun to make! Whether you’re crafting with teens, decorating for a space-themed party, or just looking for a bold DIY home decor project, this paint pour technique is a total blast.
Pop in a string of fairy lights or use your jar as a pencil holder to show off your masterpiece. Either way, your jar is going to be a star feature in your decor!
Here’s even more easy space craft ideas:
Anti-Gravity Galaxy in a Bottle
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Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
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