here's nothing like the magic of a firefly flickering its bright light for a moment at dusk, then disappearing before blinking again a few feet away. Kids and grown-ups are drawn to the on-and-off glow, and the irresistible challenge of trying to capture these elusive creatures in jars. "My sons say it's like being the heavens among the stars," says mom Regan Murphy.

If you're not lucky enough to be able to count fireflies among your regular backyard guests, or not quick enough to cup them in your hands, we have the perfect solution. Here's an easy-to-make faux firefly jar that can be used as a nightlight indoors, a subtle porch light on the patio, and a constant reminder of the thrill of a summer night year-round. The best thing about these fireflies is they won't have to let them go at the end of the evening.

What You'll Need:

• Clear, small jar with lid
• Black pipe cleaner
• Clear plastic wrap
• Yellow glow-in-the-dark paint
• Scissors
• Styrofoam tray for drying

What To Do:

1. For each firefly you are going to make cut an 11/2-inch piece of black pipe cleaner for the body.

2. Cut a 1-inch square piece of plastic wrap for the wings.

3. Fold a piece of pipe cleaner in half over the center of the square plastic wrap. Gather the plastic wrap at the center so that it spreads out on each side of the folded pipe cleaner to form wings.

4. Twist the two sides of the pipe cleaner around each other to secure the wings and form the back of the body.

5. Squeeze a small amount of glow-in-the-dark paint on the Styrofoam tray. Dip the two ends of the pipe cleaner at the back of the body in the paint then carefully lean it on the edge of the tray. Dip the end of all your fireflies in the paint.

6. After about twenty minutes, while the paint is still sticky and not completely dry, press the painted end of each firefly on the inside of the jar. Place fireflies around the inside of the jar to look like they are flying.

Style notes

• For an "authentic" look, an adult can poke some air holes in the jar's lid.
• Keep inside or out for a glow can be enjoyed when the lights go out for the night.
• Several test families had creative substitutions for glow-in-the-dark glue. Elizabeth Price and her son Nathan used glow-in-the-dark glue: "As long as you used a big enough glob and waited for it to set before sticking the next insect on, the glue held well." The Hannan family found inspiration in a bottle of glow-in-the-dark nail polish. "It was available, and it worked out well," said mother Lynda.

TAKE IT FROM ME:

My daughter loved this craft, but sticking them to the side of the jar and keeping them there was difficult. I suggest putting a few twigs in your jar to set them on. It also provides a natural effect. --Tricia Sypniewski

This article © 2001-2004 Studio One Networks.

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