School is only a few short weeks away for us. We spent some time gathering our school supplies the other day at Target and even picked up a few more items for a fun craft activity that will serve us well as the school year goes on. Most of you know that I also work as a school counselor and I am always trying to fill my basket of manipulatives this time of year. I have several items that I keep on hand for kids to hold in their hands in order to help them calm down or think more clearly. I don’t know about you, but my hands are usually working all the time. If I can have something to fidget with I usually think a lot better. It’s interesting the number of people in this world that need that movement in order to concentrate. When all else fails, the items in my basket give myself and my students something to talk about and break the ice.
Keeping all of this in mind I decided to create my own Calm Down Bottles. You can see these in the stores and all over the internet using various materials and ideas. I thought it would be great to create one that also had positive messages or words incorporated. So, not only can a student use these to calm down, but they can find the hidden messages of hope and peace inside! If you are creating these for your own use they would be great for a time out or calm down item for kids. If your child is overly upset you can give them the bottle, have them sit in a designated area and shake and spin it until the are calm. You will be surprised just how mesmerizing and calming the gently swirling glitter can be!
So, if you’re ready to take on this super simple (and a little bit messy) project then here you go!
Materials Needed:
- 1 empty plastic bottle
- Elmer’s glitter glue
- Extra glitter
- Water
- Metal beads or tags from the jewelry section of craft store with inspiring words
- Gold metallic acrylic paint for the lid (or your favorite color)
- Hot glue gun
Instructions:
- Take the lid off of your Elmer’s glue and squirt about half of the bottle into your empty plastic bottle.
- Add the metal beads or tags to the glue.
- Sprinkle in a little more glitter (until you like it visually).
- Fill the bottle to the top with warm water (in order to break down the glue).
- Replace the bottles cap and shake vigorously until all of the glue and water have been mixed in.
- Remove the cap of your bottle once again and paint it with your favorite color acrylic paint. I really love gold right now and I think it enhances the shimmer.
- Once the paint on the cap has dried pipe hot glue around the inside rim and place on the bottle in order to secure it.
- Enjoy!
As you can see, this really is a simple little craft to do. You can even involve your kids so that they have some ownership in the Calm Down Bottle. Maybe tell them about why you are making it and how it can help them so that when the time comes, they can get the most out of it. This particular project can get a little messy with all of the glitter and glue. We like to have a few Wet Ones on hand for quick and convenient cleanups. You can actually purchase a Wet Ones and Elmer’s glue combo pack while supplies last at select Target stores right now! This is a convenient way to get what you need for back to school as well as for crafting. The Elmer’s glue is on every single supply list for elementary students everywhere so it’s a win/win! I also like to keep an extra Wet Ones in the bathroom for quick clean up behind two messy little boys (if you know what I mean).
I have been wanting to make one of these. Thanks for the great tutorial!
I am a big fan of these. I add little beads to float around, too.
I love this simple project! My girls would love it! Pinning!
Maybe I should make myself one of these and keep it on my desk! 🙂 Great idea for kids (and adults)
I use grounding rocks and a sand garden in my therapy practice, but this is a great idea to have around or to make during our therapy groups as art therapy. Sharing with my fellow therapists!
What a great craft. I’m going to try this with my kids – they love anything that sparkles!
Now I am sure that Iris and I could hang out. We could sip tea (or Vodka, play with our shoes and eat caviar. Please let me know time to arrive. (Great iner.vitwe..I was hoping for an hour…)
This is a great idea. So many possibilities to use in your bottle. Love Love it!
I absolutely love this idea! I have a lava lamp with glitter in it and always turn it on when I need to just zone out.
I’ve never tried to make one of these. It looks like a great idea!
What a cute craft! Looks fun and easy to do! I can’t wait to do this with my son!
I like that you’re not scared to let the kids do something messy (if they’re helping to make their own bottle). I think the calm down bottle is a great concept.
This would be prefect for our house. Thank you for the tutorial. It looks very easy.
What a great idea. I will have to try making one over the weekend.
I love the idea of putting the messages of hope, faith, and dream in this! I definitely think I’ll be making one of these soon!
I don’t think I have a reason for a Calm Down bottle. But this is great and actually inspired me for a gift. I could add messages of love for a very special kiddo I know and she can always shake it and be reminded of all the people who love her when she is feeling down.
I would totally keep this at my desk! LOL, I just love this idea! I can see why you need Wet Naps
I’ve pinned this for future use. We might make one today. I love the idea of getting the kids involved to make it more family invested.
This is such a great idea for a craft. It doesn’t seem that hard to do either!
That’s a great idea. I love putting the positive messages inside. I hadn’t heard of a calm down bottle. Now I’m convinced I need one.
I am a teacher and I could use this in my classroom. I use a fidget for some of my kids but I love the idea of incorporating encouraging words. Great idea!
What a great Idea! I absolutely love this. We could use this in our home.
How creative! We’re definitely making one for home in the future. Thanks for the tutorial.
This sounds like such a magical and easy interactive craft idea. Putting things inside the bottle a child likes could enhance its purpose!
I have never seen the glitter glue before, Don’t know how I missed it with my little craft lovers, but it is now on my shopping list.
i love this idea because there are many times where my boyfriend comes home in a stressed mode and i was wondering if this can be for any age