Help - decorating jam jars

[MegBusset]

I am a total arts'n'crafts dunce but would like to help the DC make some Xmas presents for their grandparents and I had the idea that they could decorate some jam jars to use as tea-light holders, by painting on them using stencils.

I looked in Hobbycraft this morning but was bewildered by the array of glass/ceramic paints available. There were some pens for using on glass but it said needed sealer, whatever that is! Anyway I thought it might be easier to ask MN - what is the easiest way to do it? Thanks :)

Sharpies work on glass and are probably cheaper too. I would use them in maybe just a few colours. You can get some nice Christmas ribbon to tie round the top too.

Ooh that's a great idea, thanks

I've done 'stained glass' effect with coloured tissue or cellophane, or with coloured autumn leaves.
Both looked pretty and cost zilch. Pinterest has some inspiring pics.

If you mix ova glue with paste food colouring they paint on to glass well and then dry clear. Also tissue paper stuck on with pva glue and then given another coat of glue over the top to seal it. Simple, easy for kids and not too expensive.

PVA glue - ova don't have glue as far as I know

Pebeo 160 glass paint is brilliant, it's hand washable, probably for ever and dishwashable for a year or three.

Great for Y5/6 craft parties, but very messy and a bit expensive if DS is small.

Sharpies, plus one tube of proper gold or silver glass outliner could look really good.

Tissue and PVA works well if it's not got wet and not left on a sunny window sill. I wrecked DDs that way (tissue isn't very colour fast)