Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda, plain and unscented
- 1/2 cup table salt, fine grain
- 3 tablespoons warm water for the dough
- 1/4 cup warm water for the growing solution
- 1 small bottle food coloring (green, blue, or any color you like)
- 1 small bowl (about 2 cups for mixing the dough)
- 1 small cup (about 8 fluid ounces for the colored solution)
- 1 measuring cup (1-cup size)
- 1 measuring spoon set (with 1/2 teaspoon measure)
- 1 spoon (6 to 8 inches long for stirring)
- 1 small tray or shallow baking dish (about 9 by 13 inches to catch drips)
- 1 sheet wax paper (about 12 by 16 inches to line the tray)
- 1 medicine dropper or small pipette (optional)
- 1 clean paintbrush (about 1/2 inch wide, optional for spreading color)
- 1 pair disposable gloves (optional for sensitive skin)
- 1 old kitchen towel (about 12 by 24 inches for spills and cleanup)
- 1 sheet newspaper or reusable table cover (large enough for work surface)
Instructions
- Cover your table with newspaper or a reusable table cover, then set wax paper inside the shallow tray.
- Mix 1 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup table salt in the mixing bowl for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons warm water while stirring, until the mixture resembles damp, crumbly clay.
- Test the texture; it should feel cool, slightly grainy, and firm enough to hold an edge.
- Gather the dough into a trunk about 4 inches tall and 1 inch wide, pressing branches outward.
- Settle the shape onto the tray and smooth large cracks with a damp fingertip.
- Stir 1/4 cup warm water with 10 to 15 drops of food coloring in a small cup.
- Leave the shaped tree uncovered on the tray for 12 to 24 hours to dry.
- Use a medicine dropper to place the colored water along the trunk and branches, adding a few drops at a time.
- Watch for damp lines moving down the branches and let the tree sit for another 6 to 12 hours to let the crystals grow.
- Once completely dry, lift the tree by the base and place it on a small plate or piece of cardboard.
Notes
This project is suitable for children about 5 years old and up with close adult supervision. The tree may crack, and that's okay; small imperfections add to the experience. Food coloring can stain and should be handled with care.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
