Ingredients
- Borax: 1 cup
- Colorful pipe cleaners: multiple, to form the tree
- Water: enough to prepare the solution
- Heat-safe container: 1, deep enough for the tree to hang freely
- String or stick: for suspending the tree
- Spoon or stirring utensil: 1
Instructions
- Shape the pipe cleaners into a tree. Bend and twist the pipe cleaners to create a trunk with branches that spread out like a tree.
- Prepare the borax solution. An adult should boil the water, then carefully add borax and stir until it dissolves, creating a saturated solution.
- Set up the suspension. Tie a string to the pipe cleaner tree or position it on a stick to hang across the container. Adjust the length so that it can hang freely submerged in the solution.
- Lower the tree into the solution. Carefully suspend the pipe cleaner shape in the borax solution, ensuring it is covered by the liquid without splashing.
- Leave it undisturbed. Let the solution sit for several hours or overnight while crystals form on the pipe cleaners.
- Remove and dry the tree. Once crystals have formed, carefully lift the tree out and let it dry before displaying it.
Notes
Borax is not food; keep materials out of reach of children and pets. Handle with care and ensure adult supervision at all times.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
