Mini Lightning Bug Jars

Outside Summer Fun

Whats more fun than running around outside on a summer night chasing lightning bugs?? Catching them and putting them in jars for safe keeping! Most of the time you would use one of the gallon mason jars... I have a new idea for you. How about Mini Lightning Bug Jars? Easy to hold in small hands and not likely to be dropped when running thru the yard. You can make them with as little as 2 to 4 (depending on if you want to decorate your jar or leave it clear) things that could be laying around your house right now!!! These can be made by the child, with your help with the knife, or you can make them for your kids yourself. The choice is yours!!!!!!

All you need is :

• Baby Food Jars
• Knife (Adult help/supervision is needed for putting the holes in the lid with knife.)
• Permanent Markers *I used black and orange for stars and fireflies*(optional)
• Stickers (optional)

Instructions :

Step 1 -->  Make sure the jars are clean and dry.

Step 2 -->  Get an adult to poke holes in the top of the lid so the lightening bugs can breath.

 

**If you would like then your jar is finished. Or you can go on to Step 3**  

Step 3 -->  Write your name on your jar if you would like and decorate with stickers or draw fireflies with black and orange markers.

**Our Finished Lightning Bug Jars!!!!**

Bug Hotel

Bug Hotel

This simple, yet sturdy, insect observatory lets young entomologists check in guests, then check 'em out.

Materials

• Oatmeal container
• Markers
• Poster paints and brushes

• Utility knife
• Screen

Instructions

1. Use markers or poster paint to decorate the outside of the oatmeal container, making sure you post the house rules!
2. Paint or draw the shutters, then use a craft knife (adults only) to cut them out with sideways H shapes.
3. Paint the door, then cut it out, making sure its bottom edge is at least 1/4 inch above the floor inside (to keep guests from checking out too early).
4. Roll the screening so it rests snugly around the inside of the container. Trim so the top edge fits beneath the lid and leave a 1-inch overlap where the side edges meet.

Tips:

Be sure to provide guests with food (notice what they were eating when you found them) and water (a filled plastic bottle cap should meet their needs).

How to Make Moss Graffiti

Moss Graffiti



Moss graffiti, also called eco-graffiti or green graffiti, replaces spray paint, paint-markers or other such toxic chemicals and paints with a paintbrush and a moss "paint" that can grow on its own. As people become more eco-friendly and environmentally aware, the idea of making living, breathing graffiti has become a more green and creative outlet for graffiti artists

 Ingredients

• One or two clumps (about a small handful) of moss
• 2 cups of buttermilk
  •  You can also substitute with yogurt (vegan yogurt can be used)
• 2 cups of water (or beer)
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• Corn syrup (optional)

 Steps

1. Gather up as much moss as you can find or buy.
2. Wash the moss to get as much soil out of the roots as possible.
3. 
   

   Break the moss apart into manageable pieces and place in blender.
   Break the moss apart into manageable pieces and place in blender.
4. 
   

   Add the buttermilk/yogurt, water/beer and sugar.
   Add the buttermilk/yogurt, water/beer and sugar. Blend the mixture until completely smooth. You'll want it to have a paint-like texture.
   
   
   • 
     

     If the mixture is at a consistency where you feel it will drip, add corn syrup until the consistency you desire is reached.
     If the mixture is at a consistency where you feel it will drip, add corn syrup until the consistency you desire is reached.
5. Use a paintbrush to apply the moss-paint to the surface on which you wish your design to grow.
6. 
   

   If possible, check back weekly to either spray the design with water (to encourage moss growth, especially if you live in a dry environment) or apply more moss-paint

Things You'll Need

• A paint brush
• A blender

Tips

• 
  
  Moss can also be used as a decorative element indoors.
• Apply your paint in a moist area that receives a moderate amount of sunlight.
• Moss grows best on porous surfaces such as bricks or other stones.
• The best times to plant your graffiti are in the spring or fall, and keeping the moss moist will encourage its growth.
• If for any reason you wish to get rid of the design or parts of the design, spray it with lime juice as this will kill the moss.

Warnings

• Graffiti art, unless done with a public art permit, is probably not legal in your area. This article does not endorse illegal art, but does suggest that the graffiti can be done in or around your home or with a permit.
• If you're doing this because it's the green thing to do, be careful of how you obtain your moss. Please do NOT gather it from public areas. You can buy it from nurseries or online sources who grow it commercially. Not exactly anti-establishment but the right thing to do.