New Year’s Craft and Activity: Painted Goal Jars

This painted glass goal jar is fun and easy for kids of all ages to make, and a creative way to introduce kids to the beneficial practice of goal-setting.

A new year signals a fresh start, and it’s exciting to think about the things we’d like to learn, change and conquer in the 12 months ahead. And the secret to effective goal-setting is to write your goals down and keep them in a place where you’ll be reminded of them often.

That’s where this painted goal jar stands out.

It’s colourful and eye-catching, and can be displayed in a place where your child will see it every day. Every time they look at it, the goals and aspirations they intend to accomplish in the coming year will come to mind.

Painting on glass is relaxing and therapeutic. While they’re painting, encourage your kids to reflect on the goals they’d like to set for themselves. For very young children, this might be something as simple as keeping their room clean, playing outside more often or building the biggest snowman. Older children might aim to improve their grades, be kinder to everyone or learn a new skill. Provide them with a pencil and notepad so they can write their thoughts down while they work.

Looking for at-home party plans? These printable New Year's Eve goodie bags will keep the surprises coming for the littles all evening.

What You'll Need:

• glass jar
• Gesso (or similar primer)
• acrylic craft paint
• paint brushes
• acrylic craft varnish or sealer
• coloured card stock
• pencil
• ruler
• scissors
• marker

How it's Made:

Let's start with the painted jar. Remove any labels from your jar, wash it well and let it dry. Paint the jar with one coat of primer (I'm using Gesso). This will ensure your paint adheres to the glass.

When the primer is dry, use a pencil to doodle your design on the jar. Next, fill in your design with paint. if a second coat is required, let the first coat dry thoroughly before applying the second.

Once the paint has completely dried, brush on a coat of craft varnish to protect your paint and to make your colours really pop.

Now let's get started on the paper goals. With a pencil and ruler, mark your paper and cut it into narrow strips.

Trim the ends of each strip into a point. Write a goal on one of the paper strips.

Coil the strip tightly around a pencil or paintbrush handle. Slide the strip off and gently stretch it into a spiral.

Pop the spiral into the jar and continue until your jar is filled with all of your lofty goals.

Display your goal jar on your desk, dresser or bedside table, where it can easily be seen to act as a reminder of the goals you’re working towards.