Patriotic Jar Lanterns

1. Goals & Objectives

● Promote individual creativity
● Improve fine motor skills
● Stimulate functional memory through reminiscence
2. Population
● Adults with Developmental Disabilities
○ 9 participants
3. Program Description
Using mason jars as a foundation for nighttime lanterns with a July 4th theme. Through this
process, participants will be able to use their own creativity to create a unique lantern they can
display during the upcoming holiday, or give to another person as a gift if they desire. This
activity will encourage participants to follow step-by-step directions while still allowing for
individuality.
4. Facilitation Techniques
● Distribute to each participant
○ 1 jar
○ 2-3 tape strips
○ Several star shaped stickers
○ Blue & red paint
○ Sponge
○ Cup with water
○ Paper towels
● Wrap 2-3 strips of painters tape around lower part of jar making sure they
are evenly spaced
● Place star shaped stickers randomly around the uppermost part of jar,
making sure stickers are all above top strip of tape
● Paint the upper part of jar blue, making sure to paint right up to tape line
and over the star shaped stickers
● Paint the space(s) in between the tape strips red
● Allow paint to dry, use a hair dryer to speed this process
● When paint is fully dry, remove tape strips and star shaped stickers
● Use sandpaper to distress paint if desired
 ● Distribute disc candles to participants and place inside jar
5. Length of Activity
● 1 hour
6. Equipment
● Quart sized mason jars (x1/participant)
● Red, white & blue paint
● Paint brushes or sponges
● Star shaped stickers (various sizes)
● Painters tape (no more than 1” wide)
● Hair dryer
● 220 grit sandpaper (optional)
● Disc candle - LED preferred (x1/participant)
7. Contraindication
● Difficulty with behavior management
○ Tendency to throw objects
8. Safety Concerns
● Broken glass
● Swallowed paint
● Paint in eyes
9. Budget
● Up to $30 depending on supplies already available
○ Approx. $3-$5 per participant
 References
Patriotic Mason Jar Lanterns. (2018, April 04). Retrieved June 23, 2019, from
https://addicted2diy.com/patriotic-mason-jar-lanterns/