Baking Soda Crystal Trees
Create stunning crystal formations with this simple and educational craft that combines science and creativity, perfect for all ages.
Ingredients
For the Crystal Solution
- 0.5 cup baking soda Essential for creating the crystal structure
- 0.5 cup water Must be combined with baking soda
- 0.5 cup white glue (PVA) Used as a binder for the crystals
For the Tree Structure
- to taste pipe cleaners Shape these into your desired tree form
- optional food coloring To color your trees
Additional Supplies
- 1 cup or bowl For mixing the solution
- 1 tray or plate To catch any drips during drying
- 1 spoon For mixing the ingredients
- optional string If you wish to hang the trees
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Bend the pipe cleaners into your desired tree shape—think branches and a trunk.
- In a cup or bowl, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of water, stirring until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Incorporate 1/2 cup of white glue into the mixture. Mix thoroughly until the blend is smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Carefully dip your pipe cleaner trees into the solution, ensuring they are fully covered. Allow any excess solution to drip back into the bowl.
- Place your dipped trees on a tray or plate to dry for about 24 hours in a dry area.
- Observe the crystallization process as the solution dries, which will create sparkly formations on your trees.
Notes
Experiment with different colors, shapes, and sizes of pipe cleaners. You can also use glitter or sequins for extra decoration. If you prefer, clear dish soap can be used instead of glue for a different texture.