DIY Lava Lamp Elf On The Shelf

If you're looking to add a touch of whimsy and creativity to your holidays this year, consider creating a DIY Lava Lamp Elf on the Shelf. This fun and unique twist on the classic Christmas tradition will captivate kids and adults alike, and it's easier to make than you might think.

In recent years, the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon has taken the world by storm. But with a little ingenuity, you can put a personal spin on this cherished holiday custom. A DIY Lava Lamp Elf on the Shelf is not only a fun way to engage your children, but it also doubles as a cool, light-up decoration for your home.

Gathering Your Materials

Before you get started, you'll need to gather a few supplies. Don't worry, you probably already have most of them at home.

The key materials you'll need are a clear plastic bottle, water, vegetable oil, food coloring, glitter, an elf figurine, and a small christmas tree light strand.

Choosing the Right Bottle

You'll want to use a clear plastic bottle for your DIY Lava Lamp Elf on the Shelf. A 2-liter soda bottle works great, but you can also use a decorative glass bottle if you prefer.

Remember, the bottle needs to be clear so that the light from the Christmas light strand can shine through. Also, ensure the bottle has a tight-fitting lid to prevent leaks.

Selecting an Elf Figurine

For the elf, you can either use a small plush elf or a plastic elf figurine. If you're using a plush elf, you might want to insert a small plastic or glass bottle into it first to keep the elf afloat in the bottle.

If you're using a plastic elf figurine, you may need to weigh it down with some beads or small pebbles to keep it submerged in the bottle. This will help the elf "float" in the lava lamp once it's finished.

Assembling Your DIY Lava Lamp Elf on the Shelf

Now that you have all your materials, it's time to assemble your DIY Lava Lamp Elf on the Shelf. This process is simple and can be a fun activity to do with your kids.

Keep in mind that while this is a "lamp," it should not be used to provide lighting. It is purely a decorative item and should be handled with care.

Filling the Bottle

First, fill your bottle about 1/4 full with water. Then, add vegetable oil until the bottle is about 3/4 full. The oil will float on top of the water because it's less dense. This will create the base for the "lava" effect in your lamp.

Next, add a few drops of food coloring to the bottle. This will give your "lava" its vibrant color. Remember, the color may be lighter than you expect because the food coloring will mix with the water and oil.

Adding the Glitter

Now's the fun part - adding the glitter! Sparkly glitter will give your DIY Lava Lamp Elf on the Shelf that extra touch of magic. You can use any color glitter you like, or even a mix of colors for a more dynamic effect.

Don't be afraid to add a generous amount - the more glitter, the more mystical your elf will look when he's "traveling" around your home at night.

Setting Up Your Elf's "Magical Journey"

To make your DIY Lava Lamp Elf on the Shelf come to life, you'll need to create a "magical journey" for him each night. This is where his travels around your home become the stuff of legend (or at least, beloved family tradition).

Remember, the great thing about a DIY Elf on the Shelf is that you can make it as creative, or as simple, as you like.

Planning Your Elf's Adventures

One of the most enjoyable parts of having an Elf on the Shelf is planning his nightly escapades. You can create a simple schedule, or let your kids take the lead and come up with their own ideas. Either way, the anticipation is half the fun.

Some ideas for your elf's adventures include: sitting on the edge of a bathtub, perched on a toilet brush, or sipping hot cocoa while watching a favorite Christmas movie. You can also get creative with locations around your house, like hanging from a light fixture, or even hiding inside the oven ( Bromley, 2019).

Taking Photos (and Sharing Them if You Want)

Taking photos of your elf's nightly adventures is a great way to capture the magic of the season. You can simply display the prints around your home, or share them with friends and family on social media.

Don't forget to tag your photos with #Elfontheshelf for a chance to be featured on the official Elf on the Shelf website. who knows? Your elf might just become the next internet sensation!

Creating a DIY Lava Lamp Elf on the Shelf is a wonderful way to add a touch of whimsy and creativity to your holidays. Not only is it a fun activity to do with your kids, but it also creates lasting memories and becomes a cherished part of your family's holiday traditions. So go ahead, let your imagination run wild, and don't forget to have a very, very merry Christmas!