Ingredients
- Borax, 1 entire box (for a 9-litre pot)
- Heavy faux skull, 1
- Water, enough to fill a large pot
Instructions
- Heat the water. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the skull without overflowing when you add it.
- Turn off the burner. Switch off the heat, then wait until the water is no longer boiling. This pause helps you work with the solution more safely.
- Dissolve the borax. Add borax to the hot water and stir carefully. Keep adding it until no more will dissolve. For a 9-litre pot, the directions call for one entire box of borax.
- Add color if you wish. Stir in food coloring gently. This step is optional, so leave it out if you prefer clear crystals.
- Lower in the skull. Wearing waterproof oven mitts, carefully submerge the faux skull in the borax solution. Avoid splashing, and take care not to touch the hot liquid.
- Cover and leave it undisturbed. Put a cover on the pot and let it sit for 8–16 hours. Try not to move the pot while the crystals are forming.
- Remove and dry. Carefully lift out the skull and let it dry. Handle the crystal coating gently, especially before it has fully dried.
- Adjust crystal density if needed. If you want a less dense coating, use less borax and check the skull periodically. The appearance will depend on the amount of borax and how long the skull remains in the solution.
Notes
Keep the pot stable and out of reach of children and pets. Follow the borax product’s label directions, and avoid using cookware or utensils for food afterward unless the product guidance says they are suitable for that purpose.
