Fingerprint Firefly Jar

Create a fingerprint firefly jar with this cute printable project for kids. It makes great wall art and a fun keepsake craft for Summer.

Get the template here

Fireflies possess a touch of real magic with their bioluminescence at twilight. We’ve been inspired to create firefly projects before with this cereal box firefly nightlight and light-up paper roll firefly.

This firefly fingerprint jar is the first in a series of printable firefly-themed crafts we’ll be sharing over the coming weeks.

It’s super cute and easy to make. Best of all, you don’t have to trap any real insects in a jar!

Obviously, kid’s thumbprints are going to be way smaller than my own adult ones, so their jars will fit more fireflies in them.

An alternative variation to thumbprints is to use circular sponge brushes to stamp larger circles. The advantage of this is that bigger fireflies could make it easier for kids to draw in the details.

Age recommendation for this art project is 5 and up, although younger kids would be able to do it with some adult help. Card stock is recommended to print on but coloured construction paper will also work.

Are you ready to get started?

How to make a fingerprint firefly jar for kids

You will need

Card stock in your preferred shade of blue or purple (to resemble twilight)
White card stock for the lid
Light yellow acrylic paint, or bright yellow mixed with a bit of white to lighten it
Sharpie markers – if you are using construction paper instead of card stock this will go through the page, so place some scrap paper or newspaper underneath
Scissors
Paint Brush
Glue stick
The firefly template, available from our Printables store and our TPT store

How to

Print the jar shape to blue card stock and the lids to white. There are 7 lids on the page to save paper when working with a group of kids. If you only need one lid, discard the rest.

Cut the jar out.

Paint your thumb with yellow paint using the brush, then create prints inside the jar. Be sure to leave enough space around the prints to draw in the insect detail later. You will need to paint your thumb multiple times to cover the page. Let the prints dry completely.

Colour and cut out a jar lid.

Once the fingerprints have dried, use black Sharpie marker to draw firefly wings and head shapes. Colour the head shape in solid, and leave the wings as outlines. Add two curly antennae to the head.