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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Fun craft idea



This is a Borax crystal, made by one of the residents at my nursing home.  They did this as an activity shortly before St Patricks Day, but they are still hanging around.  They turned out so cute I wanted to share them, because it looks like something that would be fun to do with kids.  This was a shamrock, but you could do hearts, stars, circles...  whatever you like.

Borax Crystals
pipe cleaners
3 cups boiling water
1/2 cup Borax
large glass cups or canning jars
string
pencil or short rod of some type

Twist pipe cleaner into your desired shape.  The color of pipe cleaner will be the color that shows through the crystals when finished.
Tie a string around one end of the finished pipe cleaner shape and tie the other end to a pencil.
Stir borax into the boiling water until it's completely dissolved and the water is clear.
Pour borax mixture into cups, making sure the solution is deep enough to submerge the pipe cleaner shape in it.
Lower the pipe cleaner shape into the solution, being careful that it doesn't touch the side or bottom.  Lay the pencil across the top of the jar so the shape is suspended in the solution.
Set jar in a safe spot where it won't be disturbed and let it sit overnight.  The next morning you will find crystals coating the pipe cleaners!

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Did you use food coloring with the Borax? That's neat. How long does it last?

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

Looks fun!

Hootin Anni said...

Oh my goodness, I remember doing this in science class long, long ago. I love this shamrock creation.

CAROLDEE said...

Cool Idea..never heard this one before..great for little kids I bet too. Will remember it if I need help with a project. :-)

Le monde dÖ said...

Funny and lovely idea...

Anonymous said...

What a cute idea. How long do they last?
Hugs

Jenny said...

I'm going to do this with Melly and Lissy. Thanks for reminding me, Mari.

Mindy said...

That is so neat! I'm definitely going to try it with the girls. They'll love it!

Nancy said...

We will have our grandkids on Memorial Day weekend and I am on the look for any activities I have not done with them...This is a good one...Thank you...

Beth said...

This is a cool idea. I might do this with the grandkids this summer, but I also see the possibilities for decorating for the Homecoming and Sweetheart dances next year. Thanks, Mari!:>)

Cherdecor said...

I've always wanted to try this. Thanks for the recipe.

Sandra said...

I've made these before with my kids, definitely something they enjoy :)

Momma Roar said...

I think this would be a fun activity this summer!