Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated white sugar, divided into 6 equal portions of 1/2 cup
- 6 small bowls, each holding at least 1 cup
- 6 small spoons, 1 for each color or 1 spoon washed and dried between colors
- 6 colors liquid food coloring, 2 to 4 drops of each color
- 1 clear glass jar with lid, about 8 fluid ounces and approximately 2 inches wide by 5 inches tall
- 1 small funnel, about 2 inches wide (optional and substitute friendly)
- 1 sheet wax paper, about 12 inches by 18 inches
- 1 sheet cardstock, about 4 inches by 6 inches (for guiding layers)
- 1 fine mesh strainer, about 6 inches wide (optional, for breaking up clumps)
- 1 roll paper towels, for wiping small spills
- 1 pair disposable nitrile gloves, medium size (optional, helps keep food coloring off your hands)
- 1 table covering, at least 24 inches by 36 inches (a washable tablecloth, baking sheet or reusable silicone mat)
- 1 small piece ribbon or cotton cord, 18 inches long (optional for finishing)
- 1 small paper gift tag, about 2 inches by 3 inches (optional for gifting)
Instructions
- Cover your table first with a washable cloth, baking sheet or reusable mat.
- Wash the glass jar, lid and bowls with warm, soapy water. Rinse them well and dry every surface completely.
- Place 1/2 cup sugar into each of the 6 small bowls.
- Add 2 drops of the first food coloring to the first bowl. Stir slowly with a spoon until the grains look evenly tinted.
- Repeat with the remaining 5 colors, using 2 to 4 drops for each shade.
- Spread each colored sugar portion onto its own section of the wax paper, keeping the layers thin, about 1/4 inch deep.
- Leave the sugar uncovered in a dry room for 8 to 12 hours. Stir each color once after about 4 hours if you see clumps.
- Check the texture with clean, dry fingers. The sugar should feel loose and grainy.
- Set the dry colors beside the jar in your chosen order.
- Put the funnel into the jar, or hold your cardstock cone over the opening. Add the first color with a spoon, using about 2 tablespoons at a time.
- Tap the bottom of the jar lightly against your protected table after each color.
- Continue adding all 6 colors in the same order.
- If a band looks uneven, leave it alone or adjust it with the blunt end of a clean spoon.
- Wipe the jar rim with a dry paper towel before adding the lid. Tie the ribbon or cotton cord around the neck, then attach the paper tag if you are giving the piece away.
- Keep the finished jar upright and uncovered for another 30 minutes before sealing it.
Notes
Food coloring can stain skin, clothing and unfinished wood, so wear optional gloves and protect your work surface. Keep the project away from very young children who may taste the colored sugar.
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
