DIY Magical Solar System Jar: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 10/05/2025

Ever dreamt of holding a miniature galaxy in your hands? With a little creativity and some readily available materials, you can craft your own mesmerizing DIY Magical Solar System Jar! This enchanting project is perfect for budding astronomers, science enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates a touch of cosmic wonder in their daily lives. Imagine the delight of swirling planets and shimmering stars contained within a beautifully crafted glass jar – a unique and personalized decoration that sparks conversation and inspires awe.

This guide will transform that dream into reality, taking you through each stage of creation with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips. Get ready to embark on a fun and rewarding journey as we delve into the step-by-step process of building your very own magical solar system jar.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Jar
  • Polymer clay (various colors)
  • Wire or toothpicks
  • Oven
  • Water
  • Vegetable glycerin or clear glue
  • Glitter
  • Confetti
  • Waterproof glue
  • Gloss sealer
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required, especially when handling small parts and sharp objects like scissors or craft knives.
  • Avoid using materials that could be harmful if ingested. Choose non-toxic paints, glues, and glitter.
  • Handle glass jars with care to prevent breakage. If the jar breaks, immediately supervise children and dispose of the shards safely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the base

    • Prepare the jar and create a base for the planets.

  2. Create and bake planets

    • Shape the planets using polymer clay. Start with the sun (yellow, red, white), then Mercury (gray), Venus (yellow), Earth (green, blue, white), Mars (red, gray), Jupiter (brown, white, blue), Saturn (brown, white), Uranus (blue, white, yellow), and Neptune (dark blue, white).
    • Bake the planets according to the polymer clay package instructions.
    Bake the planets according to the polymer clay package instructions.
    Create and bake planets

  3. Assemble the planets

    • Attach the planets to the wires, creating stems. Insert them into the clay base.
    Attach the planets to the wires, creating stems. Insert them into the clay base.
    Assemble the planets

  4. Prepare the galaxy mixture

    • Mix water, vegetable glycerin (or clear glue), glitter, and confetti in the jar.
    Prepare the galaxy mixture: Mix water, vegetable glycerin (or clear glue), glitter, and confetti in the jar.
    Prepare the galaxy mixture

  5. Seal and finish planets

    • Once the planets cool, seal them with a gloss sealer.

  6. Attach to Jar

    • Attach the clay base with the planets to the jar lid using waterproof glue.
    Attach the clay base with the planets to the jar lid using waterproof glue.
    Attach to Jar

  7. Final Assembly

    • Place the completed solar system into the galaxy jar.
    Place the completed solar system into the galaxy jar.
    Final Assembly

Read more: DIY Witch's Brew Resin Craft: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use wire or toothpicks to support the planets.
  • Experiment with different shades and textures of clay to create realistic planets.
  • Vegetable glycerin helps suspend glitter and confetti for a longer, more swirled effect; clear glue is a suitable substitute.
  • Seal the planets with a gloss sealer for a professional finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Planet Spacing

Reason: Using inconsistent measurements or not planning the placement of planets beforehand leads to a crowded or unevenly spaced solar system.
Solution: Plan your planet placement and distances on paper before starting to ensure even spacing within your jar.

2. Overly Dense or Clunky Paint

Reason: Using too much paint on the planets makes them look unnatural, obscures details, or causes them to sink unevenly in the jar.
Solution: Use thin coats of paint and allow each coat to dry completely before applying another.

3. Improper Sealing Leading to Leaks

Reason: Not properly sealing the jar lid can cause water to leak out or the glitter to spill.
Solution: Ensure the lid is tightly screwed on and add a layer of waterproof sealant around the lid to prevent leaks.

FAQs

What kind of paint should I use for the planets?
Acrylic paints are ideal for this project. They dry quickly, are readily available in various colors, and adhere well to the foam balls. Consider using a sealant afterwards to make them more durable and prevent smudging.