Get ready to add a sprinkle of sweetness to your Valentine’s Day celebrations with these adorable DIY Valentine’s Day Candy Jars that mimic the charm of gumball machines! Transforming ordinary jars into delightful treats, this easy project not only satisfies your crafting cravings but also makes for a heartwarming gift.
I got the idea to create these Valentine Candy Jars while refilling my large gumball machine in my living room. I was convinced I could make something similar in a Valentine’s Day theme. I spent some time at the craft store and brainstormed, and I couldn’t be more tickled with how they turned out. Crafting is so fun!
Check out my other Valentine’s Day Crafts too!
(This post was originally published February 10, 2016. I updated it for clarity and enlarged my photos in 2024.)
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How you paint and decorate your Valentine’s Day candy jars is completely up to you! It wouldn’t be any fun if we all did things the same way, would it? For the sake of simplicity, my directions will follow the steps I took to make them, but you can choose your favorite paint color and any embellishments you’d like.
Have fun being creative!
What You’ll Need
- 1 (4-inch) clay pot
- Matching clay pot drip tray
- Wooden ball (to be used as a handle, should fit on the underside of the drip tray)
- Gloss spray paint or acrylic paint in color(s) of your choice
- Acrylic Gloss Spray Sealer or Mod Podge Gloss formula
- 1 (3 1/2-inch) glass bowl (should fit on base of upside down clay pot)
- E6000 permanent craft glue
- Hot glue and gun
- Paintbrush
- Foam brush
- Optional: ribbon, stickers
How To Make Valentine’s Day Candy Jars
Step 1: Choose your preferred method for painting the clay pot, drip tray, and wooden ball. Whether you opt for spray paint or acrylics, both yield beautiful results. Allow the paint to dry completely before deciding if a second coat is needed. (I needed a second coat.)
To craft X’s and O’s: Use a chapstick lid for O’s and a toothpick for X’s. Dip them gently into paint and create your design, practicing on scratch paper first. Apply the sealant or Mod Podge after the paint has dried.
Step 2: Enhance the clay pot by adding stickers to its rim or painting on embellishments.
To make X’s and O’s: For the O’s I used a chapstick lid, and for the X’s I used a toothpick. Gently dip them into paint and create your design. Practice on scratch paper first! Apply the acrylic sealer or a coat of Mod Podge Gloss after the paint has dried.
Step 3: Secure the glass bowl to the inverted clay pot base using heavy-duty craft glue like E6000. Be patient, as the glue takes 72 hours to cure fully. Do NOT use hot glue for this step, as it lacks the necessary strength.
Step 5: Hot glue the wooden ball handle to the bottom of the drip tray. Additionally, secure a cute paper straw to the inside middle of the candy jar lid with hot glue to prevent the lid from falling off. Tie a pretty ribbon around the base of the glass bowl for an extra touch.
Step 6: Complete your masterpiece by filling the jar with your favorite Valentine’s Day chocolates or candies.
These DIY Valentine’s Day candy jars aren’t just a treat for the eyes; they also make delightful gifts for your friends and loved ones. Share the sweetness and show you care with this heartfelt creation!
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