Ingredients
- Borax
- Water
- Heat-resistant container
- String
- Pencil or stick
- Food coloring (optional)
- Spoon
- Pot for boiling water
Instructions
- Boil the water. Heat water in a pot. Take care while moving it, since hot water can cause burns. An adult should handle this step when children are taking part.
- Dissolve the Borax. Pour the hot water into the heat-resistant container, then add Borax and stir with the spoon until it has completely dissolved. Follow the product label for handling guidance. If undissolved material remains, keep stirring rather than suspending the string immediately.
- Add color if you like. Stir in food coloring for a tinted result. Start with a small amount if you prefer a lighter shade; stronger color may produce a more vivid look.
- Prepare the hanging string. Tie one end of the string to the middle of the pencil or stick. Adjust the length so the string can hang into the solution without reaching the bottom of the container.
- Suspend the string. Rest the pencil or stick across the top of the container. Make sure the string hangs freely in the solution and does not touch the sides or bottom. This gives the crystals room to form around the string.
- Leave the container undisturbed overnight. Place it somewhere level and out of the way. Avoid moving, shaking, or stirring the container during this time. Bumping it may disrupt the growing crystals.
- Remove the crystals carefully. The next day, lift the pencil or stick slowly and take the crystal-covered string out of the solution. Handle the crystals gently so they are less likely to break.
- Enjoy your creation. Set the finished piece somewhere suitable for display. Keep it out of reach of young children and pets, and follow the Borax product label for safe handling and disposal of any remaining solution.
Notes
The project should be supervised by an adult, especially during the hot water steps. The crystals are fragile decorations and should be kept out of reach of children.
