Who doesn’t love the magic of glittering snow, freshly fallen on the ground? Now you can bring the sparkles inside without worrying about that pesky melting problem. Part science experiment and part craft, this project is all fun as you make your own dazzling decorations.
SUPPLIES:
Pipe Cleaners
Borax
Glass container
String
Popsicle Sticks
Optional:
Pencil
Food coloring
DIRECTIONS:
1. Twist your shapes! Grab those pipe cleaners and fold them into stars, snowflakes, even spell your name. Make sure to make them small, because the shapes enlarge by several sizes as the Borax adheres
to it.
PRO TIP: Having trouble making shapes? Fold your pipe cleaners around cookie cutters, or use the pencil to draw out your shapes and then trace.
2. Tie a piece of string around your shape; then tie the other end of the string to a Popsicle stick. Then put your shape into the glass container. Make sure your shape is not touching the sides or bottom of the container or else it will get stuck.
PRO TIP: Use a container with a wide mouth so your shape is easy to remove. If you use something like a Pyrex bowl, you can tie multiple shapes to dip in at one time.
3. Boil that water! Then mix 3 tablespoons of Borax for each cup of water. Pour into your glass container. Crystals begin to form after two hours, but it’s best to leave them in for up to 12 for maximum effect.
PRO TIP: If you’re using white pipe cleaners, add 1-3 drops of food coloring for each cup of water boiled to produce colored crystals!
Voila! Sparkling decorations that will last all year. Just be careful to use gentle hands, as they can be fragile. We recommend hanging them in a window where they can catch the light and shine to their best advantage.
The Craft Factory is a drop-in craft studio and birthday party event space located in the heart of Multnomah Village in SW Portland, Oregon. We also host private parties and school workshops. Visit us online at craftfactorypdx.com or call us at 503.577.4310 to book your party today!
