Happy Diwali!

Today is the first day of Diwali, which is also known as the Festival of Lights in India and for many people around the world who celebrate this holiday. When I taught in Chicagoland, I had an Indian-American student whose mom came into our classroom to share their culture and holiday with us.

One of my favorite activities we did with her was making these lamps called diyas. This is a fun and easy craft to make with your students! I made these with my kindergarteners. What I love about this craft is how beautiful and unique each diya turns out.

Here's is how we made them at school.

*I posted links for easy access to the supplies I bought. This post is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Amazon or Michaels Craft Store.

Diya Craft

Materials:

4 oz. plastic Mason Jars (Michael's has them in a 10 pack)
Mod podge
Tissue paper in various colors, cut into small .5 inch or 1 inch squares.
Battery-powered candle lights (I bought mine from Amazon)
Small paper plate or small cup or tray (to put Mod Podge on)
You can use paintbrushes but I find using your finger to be better.

Directions:

Prep: Pour a little amount of Mod Podge on a paper plate, tray, or small cup.
Unscrew the tin lid and set it aside. I wrote the kid's names on the lid.
Dab your finger into the Mod Podge and spread it around the jar and on the bottom of the jar. You can use a paintbrush but I found using your finger is better because it won't tear the tissue paper. *TIP: Hold the jar in one hand and use your other hand to spread the Mod Podge glue and put the tissues on the jar.
Start putting pieces of tissue paper on the jar. Cover all the tiny spots.
Then use the Mod Podge and spread it over the tissue paper. This will seal the tissue paper to the jar. Remind students they don't need a lot, just enough to cover the tissue paper because it starts to get soggy and clumpy if you use too much.
Let it dry upside down.
Once it is dry, put the candle in it! And now you're done!