The paint is on the outside, Diana. 🙂

I paint the inside as well. since the outside is not moisture proof. I would paint the inside

UPDATE: These are definitely not for outdoors. I followed instructions to a tee, they were beautiful, not frosty, but beautiful. I put a single battery operated t light with timer in them and hung them upstairs on my deck. They were adorable for a few days. Then this morning, I noticed that the glue must have melted, because the color I painted is barely visible in the bottom of the jar and the rest of the jar is clear. The sun must heat up the glue and it oozes to the bottom of the jar. So now, I’m going to buy iridescent tissue paper, fit them into the jars with the tee light and wholah! Do not put these outdoors especially in the sun.

I’ve read back through the comments on this post, Nancy, and I think it might have to do with the colouring. Did you use liquid food colouring? I used icing gels, and that might be the difference. I scrolled back and found a conversation that I’d had with someone else about this same problem. I’m glad they look pretty though. You can hang them in the tree but I can’t guarantee the colour won’t fade after a while, and if they get wet, that will definitely affect things. It’s washable glue, so if it were to get wet enough I think it would dissolve.

You could try brushing or spraying the jar with acrylic craft varnish, Rachel.

I don’t know, Cheryl. I’ve only ever made these jars that you see here. I interchange my gels and liquid colourings for a lot of projects though, so I wouldn’t think it would matter, but I’m not sure about the white. I didn’t know they made white.

To be honest they don’t look that bad.

I’ve heard from a couple of people who say theirs didn’t appear frosted. If it’s not the glue, I really don’t know what would cause the different outcome. Are they still quite pretty, Sarmara?

They are completely see through but have a blue tint. I also used the elmer’s school glue.

Unfortunately, no, Beverly. I’m afraid the glue and food colouring would wash away.

What food color did u use? I think the opaque thing has something to do with the gel-based clor. Elmers glue dries clear

Hmmm. I wonder if it has to do with the brand of glue? So yours are completely clear but coloured, Samara?

I would think so, Barbara. i can’t guarantee that the glue/food colouring won’t yellow or blister because of the heat, but I can’t see there being any problem in trying. Let us know if you do. 🙂

I used gel colouring, Paula, so I don’t think that’s the issue. My first thought is the glue. Yours is drying clear, but mine is drying opaque giving my jars that frosted look. I used white “Elmer’s” school glue. I was perplexed by your results as well, so I did some googling and found this. These jars were made with mod-podge, and they’re clear as well. Quite honestly, I think they’re gorgeous!

You could look into it, Patsy, but I’ve only made these for decorative purposes.

Any chance you can find some online, Otilla? Really any type of glass jar will work, but the “canning” jars do have a nice look.

I’m stumped, Tracy. If you’re using a decent amount of food colouring, I’m not sure how it would dry clear. Sorry, I really don’t have an answer for you there. interesting that you’re painting the inside of the jar. I would think that would be difficult.

I think that would probably work, Stacey. I don’t think you want to brush on a coat of sealer, because you could pull the paint and glue off, but as you said, spray sealer would probably do the trick.

That sounds lovely, Beth! Let us know how it works!

I’m sorry, Kitty, I didn’t even measure. It was a very small amount of water. Just enough to make the glue slightly runny. I’m guessing that for 2 tablespoons of glue, I might have added 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons of water?

Glad you liked them, Amy!

Yes, Heather. I’m not sure it that was the actual brand, but it was white “school” glue that we used.

Wonderful, Tereza! Isn’t it amazing how a collection of simple items like that can keep children exploring and entertained for so long? I love your idea of going through their toys, and gathering up a good working supply of sensory play toys! Bet you were able to get a thing or two accomplished while they played too! 🙂 Thanks so much for wanting to link to me in your blog!

My next project is to go through their toy boxes and organize the many little toys that can be used for sensory play in the near future! I also want to do a little Resurrection play with the kids using your idea of toilet paper tube puppets. I think they will love it! Thank you again. 🙂