Easy DIY Figure Jar Display! How to Make Floating Toy Jars with Water Beads

Have you ever gotten an awesome (or hilariously weird) miniature figure from a Japanese Gachapon (capsule toy) machine and wondered how to display it?

Whether you’re looking for a cool way to showcase your favorite small toys, or searching for a fun weekend DIY project with kids, this “Floating Figure Jar Display” is super easy to make!

If you’re like me and get way too excited whenever you spot bizarre miniature toys in capsule machines, this craft idea is definitely for you. Let’s dive into how you can make your very own figure in a jar!

What You’ll Need

Here are the simple materials required for this craft:

1. A Clear Glass Jar: An upcycled candy or jam jar works perfectly!

②Your Favorite Mini Figure: I’m using a lazy-looking frog figure I got from a Gachapon machine. (Feel free to use any mini figure you like!)

③Seashells (Optional): I’m using leftover shells from a local Japanese delicacy called Nagarami (a type of sea snail), but any small shells will add a nice coastal vibe.

④Water Beads / Hydrogel Balls: These are squishy, water-absorbing polymer beads (often used for plant soil or air fresheners).

Tip about the Water Beads: In Japan, many people use gel bead air fresheners (like Mukou Kuukan). Once the air freshener dries up after a few months, the beads shrink into tiny hard crystals. But guess what? If you soak them in water, they expand right back to their original squishy size!

If you don’t have dried-up air freshener beads lying around, don’t worry—you can easily buy colorful Water Beads (Orbeez / Hydrogel balls) at dollar stores (100-yen shops in Japan), gardening centers, or online via Amazon.

Important Safety & Material Note!

• Toys ONLY: Please make sure to use plastic, rubber, or waterproof toy figures. Never use real live creatures (like real frogs or goldfish)!
• Colorful Options: If you want a vibrant look, picking up a pack of multi-colored water beads from a craft store or dollar store is a great option.

Once you have your materials ready, let’s start crafting!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Layer the bottom with water beads

Place a thin layer of expanded water beads at the bottom of the jar. This creates a base so your figure appears to “float” above the bottom rather than resting directly on the glass.

(I wanted a pop of color, so I used some colored water beads from a 100-yen store for the bottom layer!)

Step 2: Place your figure inside

Gently set your figure right in the center. Don’t worry if it tilts slightly—you can easily adjust its position later using chopsticks or tweezers. Just make sure it doesn’t sink too deep into the bottom layer.

Step 3: Fill the jar with clear water beads and add water!

Fill the jar all the way to the top rim with clear water beads. Packing them tightly to the edge is the secret to getting that seamless “floating” effect!

Next, pour in water until the jar is completely full.

As the water fills the gaps between the beads, a magical transformation happens: the clear water beads become completely invisible underwater! This makes your figure look like it’s levitating in liquid or suspended in mid-air.

(If the figure shifts out of position while pouring in the water, use a stick to push it back to its original location, then close the lid securely.）

The Result!

Right after adding water, you might still see faint outlines of the beads. But give it just a few minutes…

And voila! The beads turn completely transparent, creating a mesmerizing, aquatic floating effect!

(Full disclosure: I got a bit too eager and tried adding more colored beads on top of the frog later, which accidentally covered its face… Oops! But the best part about this craft is that you can easily open the jar and readjust it anytime!)

Maintenance Tip: What if algae appears?

After about 3 to 6 months, you might notice a bit of moss or algae starting to grow inside the jar.

When that happens, simply empty the jar, wash your figure and the glass, and replace the water beads with a fresh batch!

Perfect for Home DIY & Anime Fan Displays!

On my blog OFFICE KAWACHIYO, I share all kinds of fun, indoor DIY crafts and hobbies you can do right at home using simple, affordable materials.

If you love anime figures, Gachapon collectibles, or creative home decor, be sure to check out my other DIY articles too!