DIY Hot Cocoa Bar Jars

Want to create a Hot Cocoa Bar on a budget? Make these fun Dollar Tree jars for candy or other hot cocoa bar supplies.

This is a simple $4 craft for Valentine’s Day that can also be used as candle jars.

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My Valentine’s craft project is a solution to a need for hot cocoa bar decor without breaking the budget. A trip to the Dollar Tree and $4 later I was ready to craft.

Supplies

Simple supplies and a few dollars are all you need to make these fun Valentine’s candy jars for the hot cocoa bar.

• Glass jars/vases ($1 ea. at Dollar Tree)
• Tissue paper of choice ($1 at Dollar Tree)
• Epsom salts, like this
• Mod Podge, like this

Instructions

For this project, I’m using Mod Podge to create Valentine’s decoration on cute beverage glasses.

Step 1

Measure and cut the tissue. Because I was planning to use my small vases for candy jars, I wanted to leave a top portion of the jar uncovered to show the candy.

I needed strips small in width so I choose which words I wanted from my Valentine tissue. I cut all three strips the same so I could position the word ‘Cupid’ facing front on the Hot Cocoa Bar.

Practice positioning the tissue on the jar prior to adding Mod Podge.

Step 2

Carefully begin applying the Mod Podge to attach the tissue to the glass. I do small sections at a time. Notice the wet area in the picture above. I spread the Mod Podge onto the glass, not the paper.

You do need to be gentle when working with Mod Podge and tissue paper so you don’t tear the paper. It’s a delicate process for heavy-handed folks like me. Follow the instructions on the Mod Podge container for drying times. 

I applied one coat of Mod Podge to the top of the tissue after the bottom coat had dried. This is to seal the paper so it doesn’t tear. Allow drying prior to adding the faux ice.

Step 3

Add the faux ice look next. Apply a small amount of Mod Podge and sprinkle it with Epsom Salts. Keep doing this process until the entire bottom has been completely covered. I only applied one layer of faux ice. 

Also see these Faux Iced Winter Branches easy DIY project.

I use a box bottom that we get canned dog food in from the grocery store when working with Epsom salts. It works perfectly for containerizing the mess.

I keep Epsom salts in my craft room in a resealable bag. I just held the jar over the open bag and drizzled the salts. Clearly, I make a big mess! In my defense, I’ve used this same box through several faux ice projects.

Step 4

Seal it after the layer of faux ice has completely dried. Applying a top layer of Mod Podge will seal it. Otherwise small bits so the faux ice will fall off.

That’s it! All done. Easy peasy.  I did this project over 2 days to allow plenty of drying time between layers of Mod Podge.

My DIY Dollar Store Valentine Candy Jars double as candle holders! You have to love a multi-functional craft. These Valentines Candy Jars will be making appearances for years to come in our home.

More Valentine’s Day Ideas

• How To Make A Valentine’s Tissue Paper Cone Tree
• Fun Meals To Make As A Couple
• Cute Valentine’s BINGO Game Free Printable
• Valentine’s Printables Bundle with Cards, Gift Tags & Bingo Game
• Romantic Date Night Menu for Home
• 110 Conversation Starter Questions for Couples

Thank you for sharing!