A Fun Kids Activity . . .

. . . USING ONE SECRET INGREDIENT!

Looking for something creative to do with the kids while they are out of school? I made this with the kids I watch last week, and let me tell you, not only did it totally impress them, it impressed me, too!! ???? Try this super cool activity with the kiddos this week, and they’ll love you for it!! The results are amazing!

A SUPER COOL ACTIVITY TO DO WITH THE KIDS THIS WEEK

Gather your supplies

Shape your pipe cleaner around a cookie cutter

The SECRET ingredient

Dissolve the Borax in the boiling water and add some liquid food coloring drops

Tie a ribbon around the shape and dangle it in the solution using the popsicle stick to hold it in place

After 24 hours, remove them from the solution. You may have to adjust the ribbon.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

• pipe cleaners 
• popsicle sticks
• a cookie cutter
• ribbon or string
• liquid food coloring
• Borax
• wide mouth canning jar or large glass measuring cup

Gather your supplies and let’s get started!

Shape your desired color pipe cleaner around a cookie cutter. As you can see, I chose a heart, but you can use whatever shape you wish, just as long as it won’t hit the sides or bottom of your measuring cup or jar.

Twist the ends together and trim.

Boil 3 CUPS OF WATER.     ADD 3/4 CUP BORAX.

(I’ve found the cheapest place to get Borax is at Walmart for $3.38. You’ll find it in the laundry detergent aisle.)

Stir until completely dissolved. This may take a few minutes.

Add some food coloring drops, if desired. This is not necessary, but it does enhance the color of your pipe cleaner. Or if you’ve chosen a white pipe cleaner, it’ll add some color! 

Next you’re going to want to find a wide mouth canning jar or a large glass measuring cup. Pour your Borax solution into the container or jar.

Tie a ribbon around your shaped pipe cleaner. The length will depend on what container you’re using. You’ll use the popsicle stick to let it dangle in the solution. BE SURE your shape doesn’t touch the bottom or sides of your container or it will crystallize to it!   ????????     

Let it sit without being touched for about 24 hours.

And this is what it looks like! I was amazed at the results. It crystallized so hard and thick. ???????? My ribbon was off-centered, so I did have to pull it off a little and re-center it. These would look super cute displayed in a window using suction cup hooks. Or if you desire, cut off the ribbon all-together.

Seriously, you NEED to try this fun project out! I like doing things with kids where they can be creative and use their hands to make amazing things. It gives them such a sense of accomplishment!

LOOKING FOR SOME CRAFTS TO DO WITH THE KIDS? YOU’LL WANT TO CHECK OUT THESE PAPER PLATE CRAFTS.