Want to turn a few simple glass pieces into a cute candy jar that looks like a mini bubble gum machine-an easy DIY for gifts, parties, and seasonal decorating.
A plain glass vase can become much more interesting with a little paint, a decorative base, and a few finishing touches. This candy jar takes that simple idea and turns it into a playful piece that looks far more elaborate than the materials suggest.
The rounded glass top gives it the look of a miniature bubble gum machine, while the painted pedestal creates the base. Once the two pieces are joined, the jar is ready for colorful jelly beans, gumdrops, or other small treats.
What makes this craft especially useful is how easily you can change its look. Pink works beautifully for Easter or Valentine’s Day, while red, green, pastel, or metallic shades can give the same design a completely different seasonal feel.
It also makes a sweet handmade gift. Fill it with candy, add a ribbon, and you have a small treat container that can be customized for a teacher, friend, party table, or holiday gathering.
Things that you need before crafting:
- Small glass jar with lid
- Small fishbowl-shaped glass vase
- Candle pedestal or small decorative dish
- Pink spray paint or suitable primer
- Baby Pink multi-surface acrylic paint, if needed
- E6000 adhesive
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Ribbon
- Small decorative embellishments, such as glitter eggs or seasonal shapes
- Double-sided adhesive squares
- Painter’s tape
- Scissors
- Jelly beans or other small candies
- Q-tips
- A small amount of Vaseline for the E6000 tube threads
Before You Start
The finished candy jar is roughly 6–8 inches tall, depending on the glass pieces you choose. The exact size does not need to match the example; what matters most is that the pedestal supports the glass bowl securely.
Before painting, check that the pedestal and glass bowl sit naturally together. A good fit will make the final piece look balanced and will also make gluing easier.
If you plan to put food directly inside the glass bowl, keep paint and adhesive away from the inside surface where the candy will sit. Painter’s tape can help protect areas that should remain untouched.
How To Make:
Paint the Base Pieces
Start by preparing the pieces that will form the base.
- Use painter’s tape to cover the inner rim or any area of the jar lid that should remain free from paint.
- Place the candle pedestal and lid on a protected surface.
- Apply a light coat of pink primer or spray paint.
- Let the first coat dry completely before deciding whether another coat is needed.
- If the spray finish needs extra coverage, use a suitable multi-surface acrylic paint such as Baby Pink.
- Allow everything to dry thoroughly before moving on to assembly.
A smooth, even finish is more important than applying a heavy coat. Several light coats generally give you better control than one thick coat.
Join the Glass and Pedestal
Once the painted pieces are completely dry, you can create the main shape of the candy jar.
- Turn the fishbowl-shaped glass vase over so its base is facing upward.
- Apply a controlled amount of E6000 adhesive to the center of the vase base or to the top of the candle pedestal.
- Carefully position the pedestal in the center.
- Press the two pieces together gently.
- Check the alignment from several angles before leaving it in place.
- Allow the adhesive to cure according to the product instructions; the tutorial allows about 24 hours for the main bond.
- If needed, a small amount of hot glue can temporarily hold the pieces while the stronger adhesive cures.
Take your time with this step. If the pedestal is slightly off-center, the finished jar can look tilted even when the rest of the decorating is done neatly.
Add the Ribbon Bow
The bow gives the jar much of its decorative character.
- Cut ribbon into suitable lengths for the bow.
- Form two looped bow sections so the finished bow has some fullness.
- Layer the loops together.
- Secure the center with hot glue.
- Trim the ribbon tails.
- Cut the ends into dovetail shapes for a cleaner finish.
- Add a small decorative piece, such as a glitter egg, to the center.
- Attach the completed bow to the top of the jar lid with hot glue.
You can keep the bow simple if the glass bowl already has enough decoration. For a more festive version, use two coordinating ribbon patterns instead of adding several different embellishments.
Decorate the Glass Bowl
Now give the clear glass top its seasonal details.
- Choose lightweight embellishments that complement your ribbon and paint color.
- Place each decoration against the outside of the glass before attaching it.
- Rearrange the pieces until the spacing looks balanced.
- Use double-sided adhesive squares when you want a slightly raised appearance.
- Press each embellishment firmly into place.
- Keep the front and sides visually balanced rather than covering the entire glass surface.
Small decorations work especially well here because the rounded glass already provides the main visual feature.
Fill the Candy Jar
Once the paint, adhesive, and decorations are fully set, add the treats.
- Make sure the inside of the glass bowl is clean and completely dry.
- Pour in jelly beans or another small candy.
- Avoid filling the jar so high that the lid presses against the candy.
- Place the decorated lid on top.
- Add a final adjustment to the bow or outside decorations if necessary.
The candy itself becomes part of the decoration, so bright colors can make a simple finished jar look much more cheerful.
A Simple Seasonal Switch
You do not have to keep this design in pink. The same basic idea can be adapted throughout the year.
- Easter: pastel pink, yellow, lavender, bunny or egg embellishments
- Valentine’s Day: red, pink, white, hearts, and romantic ribbon
- Christmas: red, green, white, gold, or silver decorations
- Birthday: bright paint colors with colorful ribbon and candy
- Baby shower: soft blue, blush, cream, or lavender
Changing only the paint, ribbon, and small embellishments can make the same candy jar feel completely different.
Before Filling: One Important Check
Give the finished jar a careful check before adding candy. The pedestal should feel firmly attached, the lid should sit properly, and all decorative pieces should be securely fixed to the outside. If any adhesive is still soft or tacky, give it more time to cure before handling or filling the jar.
This small check is worth doing because the jar will be handled when it is filled, moved, gifted, or displayed.
Note: If you face any hurdles in creating this project, then you can watch the tutorial here.
Final Look
Your simple glass pieces have now become a playful candy jar with the appearance of a miniature bubble gum machine. The rounded glass, painted pedestal, ribbon bow, and seasonal decorations work together without requiring complicated craft techniques.
For gifting, fill it with colorful treats and finish it with a small gift tag. For home decor, coordinate the colors with the season and place several jars together at different heights.
The best part is that the basic idea can stay the same while the colors and decorations change, giving you plenty of ways to make the design your own.
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