How to Make Crystals at Home
Here's a fun tutorial that requires only a few supplies and some patience to grow your own beautiful Borax crystals to enjoy at home or gift to someone special.
Yield: 3
Cost: $10
Equipment
- 1 pair of scissors
- plastic tub
- tea kettle or pot
- measuring cup
Materials
- pipe cleaners, pom poms or both
- Borax (sodium borate)
- string or thread or fishing line
- pencils or a popsicle stick
- pint sized mason jars One for each crystal
- food coloring optional
- tape
Instructions
- Make a form with pipe cleaners wrapping them around each other.
- Tie a piece thread or string around the pipe cleaner form and pom poms.
- Tie a pencil to the other end of the string
- Boil water in a tea kettle or pot
- Use an old recycled plastic tub to stir together 1/2 cup of Borax powder to 2 cups of boiling water.
- Once dissolved pour the solution into one of the mason jars.
- If desired add a good amount of food coloring to the Borax solution to color the white pom pom.
- Place the pipe cleaner form or pom pom in the mason jar.
- Use a piece of tape to hold the string on the pencil so that the item is held in the middle of the jar and solution.
- Allow the items to sit for 24 hours.
- Lift out the pipe cleaner form and pom poms onto some paper towels to drain.
- Once dry place your crystals in a planter or anywhere you like.
Notes
If the crystals are continually wet they may break down. Make sure you remove them when you water your plants.
If you develop a coating of crystals in the bottom or sides of the jars you can add boiling water to help break it down. Discard the crystals and run the jar through the dishwasher.
You might want to wear gloves for this project as the Borax is rough on your skin.
Also, if you decide to try this with kids or grandchildren use caution. Don't inhale or ingest the borax powder and make sure it doesn't get into anyone's eyes. More details can be found on the Borax box.
Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram