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Create a Mummy Jar Halloween Art Decoration

A Mummy Jar Halloween decoration made from a mason jar wrapped in gauze, with large googly eyes glued on the front. A small orange pumpkin sits beside the jar on a wooden surface.

Table of Contents

Creating Halloween decorations is an exciting and engaging way to celebrate the spooky season. One of the most effective and enjoyable crafts for this purpose is the “Mummy Jar Halloween Art” project. This art project is perfect for children and adults alike, offering a creative outlet while also serving as a functional and decorative piece. Mummy Jar Halloween Art is an ideal way to get into the Halloween spirit, and it can be customized to suit various styles and tastes. In this lesson plan, we will guide you through the steps to create your own Mummy Jars, which will make a great addition to any Halloween display. This craft not only fosters creativity but also helps in developing fine motor skills, making it an excellent activity for the classroom or at home.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Understand the steps involved in creating Mummy Jar Halloween Art using mason jars.
  • Develop fine motor skills through the process of wrapping and gluing materials.
  • Express creativity by personalizing their Mummy Jars with different facial expressions and arrangements.
  • Appreciate the value of handmade decorations in enhancing festive celebrations.

Materials Needed

  • Jars (any size will do, but medium to large jars are recommended)
  • White gauze or bandages (enough to wrap around each jar multiple times)
  • Googly eyes (two per jar)
  • Glue (hot glue works best, but any strong adhesive will do)
  • Battery-operated tea lights (one per jar)
  • Scissors (for cutting gauze or bandages)
  • Optional: Ribbons, small Halloween-themed charms, or stickers for additional decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Jar

Begin by selecting a jar.  When teaching this in a class, I use plastic jars.  At home with my kids, we use glass mason jars.  Make sure the jar is clean and dry before starting. The size of the jar can vary, but larger jars tend to have a more impactful presence as decorations. Lay out all your materials on a flat workspace to ensure everything is within reach.

This step is crucial in the Mummy Jar Halloween Art process as it sets the foundation for the entire project. Choosing the right jar and ensuring it’s clean will help ensure that the gauze adheres properly, creating a more polished and professional look for your finished mummy jar.

 

A close-up of a mason jar wrapped in white gauze, with a lit battery-operated tea light inside, creating a glowing mummy jar effect. A child is seen in the background, smiling while adjusting the gauze.
Mummy Mason Jar with battery operated tea-light

Step 2: Wrapping the Jar

Take the gauze or bandage and start wrapping it around the mason jar. Begin at the bottom and work your way to the top, leaving some spaces in between the layers to create the effect of old, tattered wrappings. The key is to wrap the jar tightly enough that the gauze stays in place, but not so tight that it covers the entire jar; you want the glass to peek through in some spots, mimicking the look of a mummy’s bandages.

Wrapping the jar is where the Mummy Jar Halloween Art truly begins to take shape. As you layer the gauze, consider the different textures and patterns you can create. For example, you might want to vary the thickness of the gauze or overlap it in certain areas to give the appearance of aged, weathered bandages. Encourage students to experiment with different wrapping techniques to see what they like best.

Step 3: Adding the Eyes

Once you’re satisfied with the wrapping, it’s time to give your mummy a face. Apply a small dab of glue to the back of each googly eye and press them onto the front of the jar. Position them close together in the middle or slightly higher, depending on the size of your jar. The eyes should be visible through the bandages, giving your mummy a playful or spooky expression.

The googly eyes are one of the most fun and customizable aspects of Mummy Jar Halloween Art. Depending on the size and placement of the eyes, you can create a variety of different expressions. For a more eerie look, you might want to place the eyes further apart or use larger googly eyes. For a cute and playful mummy, smaller eyes positioned close together can create a more friendly appearance.

Step 4: Inserting the Tea Light

Now that your mummy has its face, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Place a battery-operated tea light inside the mason jar. The tea light will emit a soft, eerie glow that will shine through the gauze, making your mummy jar look as if it’s come to life. This step is especially effective if the jar is used as part of a dimly lit Halloween display.

Inserting the tea light not only completes the look of your Mummy Jar Halloween Art but also adds a functional element to the decoration. The glow from the tea light enhances the spooky atmosphere, making these jars perfect for setting the mood at a Halloween party or as a centerpiece for your seasonal decorations. Encourage students to experiment with the placement of the tea light inside the jar to achieve different lighting effects.

Step 5: Optional Decorations

For those who want to add a little extra flair to their mummy jars, consider tying a ribbon around the neck of the jar or adding small Halloween-themed charms or stickers. These can be glued onto the gauze or placed around the base of the jar for added detail.

Optional decorations are where students can really let their creativity shine in this Mummy Jar Halloween Art project. Whether it’s adding a small bow tie, some spooky stickers, or even painting additional designs onto the jar, these personal touches make each mummy jar unique. This is also a great opportunity to discuss different artistic styles and how small details can significantly impact the overall look of a piece.

Discussion and Reflection

After completing the Mummy Jar Halloween Art project, take some time to discuss the experience with your students or children. Ask them to reflect on what they enjoyed most about the process, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Encourage them to share their creations with the group and discuss how they personalized their mummy jars. This reflection can help reinforce the skills and concepts learned during the activity.

Reflection is a crucial part of any art project, as it allows students to think critically about their work and the choices they made. Discussing their Mummy Jar Halloween Art with peers helps students articulate their creative process and gain inspiration from others. This can be a valuable learning experience, particularly in understanding the diversity of artistic expression.

Extensions and Variations

  • Group Display: Have students work together to create a series of Mummy Jars to display as a group in the classroom or at home. This can create a more impactful Halloween decoration and encourage teamwork.
  • Creative Faces: Instead of using googly eyes, have students draw or paint different facial expressions on their jars. This allows for more creativity and variety in the final products.
  • Colorful Mummies: While traditional mummies are wrapped in white, consider using colored gauze or bandages for a more vibrant and playful look. This could tie in with different themes or color schemes for your Halloween decor.
  • LED Light Effects: Experiment with different colored LED tea lights inside the jars to give your Mummy Jar Halloween Art a unique glow. Red, green, or purple lights can add an extra layer of spookiness.
  • Themed Mummy Jars: Create mummy jars with a specific theme in mind, such as a pirate mummy, a vampire mummy, or a princess mummy. This adds a storytelling element to the project, making it even more engaging for children.

Conclusion

Creating Mummy Jar Halloween Art is a fun, creative, and educational activity that is perfect for celebrating the spooky season. This project allows students to engage in hands-on crafting while learning about textures, patterns, and the value of handmade decorations. The Mummy Mason Jars can be proudly displayed as part of any Halloween setup, adding a touch of eerie charm to the festivities. Encourage your students to experiment with different variations and make the project their own, turning each jar into a unique piece of art.

This Mummy Jar Halloween Art project not only provides an opportunity for artistic expression but also serves as a valuable learning experience. It teaches children about the importance of creativity, attention to detail, and the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands. The finished jars are not just decorations; they are a testament to the students’ hard work and imagination.

Assessment

Evaluate the students’ completed Mummy Jar Halloween Art based on creativity, neatness, and effort. Encourage students to explain their creative choices and how they approached the project. This assessment will help you gauge their understanding of the lesson objectives and their ability to follow the instructions while incorporating their own personal flair.

Assessment can also include a peer review session, where students present their Mummy Jar Halloween Art to the class and receive constructive feedback. This not only builds confidence in their work but also fosters a supportive learning environment where students can learn from one another.

 

A close-up of a mason jar wrapped in white gauze, with a battery-operated tea light inside, emitting a soft glow. A child's hands are visible, gently adjusting the gauze around the jar.
A mason jar wrapped in white gauze, with a battery-operated tea light inside.
A mason jar wrapped in white gauze with two large googly eyes glued to the front, resembling a mummy. The jar is placed on a wooden surface, accompanied by a small wooden scoop and some dried root pieces.

Lesson Plan Summary

Grade Level: Elementary school students

Objective: Students will create a Mummy Jar Halloween Art project using mason jars, gauze, googly eyes, and LED tea lights. They will develop fine motor skills, express creativity, and learn the value of handmade decorations.

Materials: Mason jars, white gauze or bandages, googly eyes, glue, scissors, battery-operated tea lights, optional decorations (ribbons, Halloween-themed charms or stickers)

Instructions:

  • Prepare the mason jar by ensuring it is clean and dry.
  • Wrap the jar with gauze, leaving spaces for the glass to peek through.
  • Glue on googly eyes to give the mummy a face.
  • Insert a battery-operated tea light inside the jar to create an eerie glow.
  • Optional: Add ribbons, charms, or stickers for extra decoration.

Discussion: Encourage students to reflect on the process, challenges, and creative choices they made. Discuss how their Mummy Jar Halloween Art turned out and what they learned from the experience.

Assessment: Evaluate the finished jars based on creativity, neatness, and effort. Include peer reviews to foster a supportive learning environment.

This lesson plan not only provides a detailed guide for creating Mummy Jar Halloween Art but also offers opportunities for discussion, reflection, and extension, making it a comprehensive and engaging activity for the Halloween season.

Picture of Jeremy Sayers
Jeremy Sayers

My first blog was meant to connect with and provide resources for students and parents in the 2nd-grade class I was teaching.

EdThings.com is an extension of that first site.  There are many math resources and worksheets on this site, along with articles related to the field of education.

I have been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years. In 2023 I was honored to be named as an LAUSD Teacher of the Year. Thank you for visiting. I hope this site is helpful to you.

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