Borax Crystal Ornaments

Saturday we made Borax Crystal "Ornaments" The boys had so much fun coming up with shapes and watching the crystals grow.  It was so easy and they all turned out amazing!! They already want to make more so I think it was a hit :) If you want to make them, the super easy instructions are below...

What You Need
 

•Pipe cleaners in various colors
•Scissors
•Straws
•String
•Mason jars
•Water
•Borax
•Oven mitt
•Teapot or pot to boil water
•Measuring Cup

What You Do

 

1. Have your kiddos make shaped out of the pipe cleaners... av star, a heart, a spiral, a snowflake, an egg the posibilities are endless!! Make sure it fits through the opening of the jar you are using or use a lager vase or bowl for larger shapes.
2.Bring water to boil.
3.Knot one end of a length of string around the pipe cleaner shape and the other end around the straw and lower the pipe cleaner shape into the jar, then lay the straw across the rim of the jar. If the pipe cleaner touches the bottom of the jar, adjust the string so that the pipe cleaner hangs freely. Lift the pencil to remove the pipe cleaner shape from the jar and set aside.
4.Carefully pour boiling water into the jar, filling it about 3/4 full.
5.Add borax to the water, one tablespoon at a time and stir after adding each tablespoon. After about 1/4 cup has been added, check to see if the borax has begun to collect on the bottom of the jar. If not, add more borax to the jar, little by little, until there is a small amount has collected on the bottom.
6.Lower the pipe cleaner shape into the jar, laying the straw on top as before. Make sure the pipe cleaner is fully submerged in the solution and not touching the bottom or sides of the jar.
7.Using oven mitts, carefully move the jar to a safe place where it won't be disturbed.
8.The crystals will grow on the pipe cleaner as the water cools and begins to release the borax.
9.Let the jar sit for 24 hours. Check the progress of his crystals from time to time to see how they are growing. After roughly 24 hours and once the pipe cleaner is covered in crystals, remove it from the solution.
10. Hang it somewhere safe to dry and enjoy the beauty!!

My favorite one is Ayden's Birthday Balloon's

 

Landon's Flower