Baking Soda Growing Tree Ornament
A fun and simple craft project to create a unique holiday ornament using common household ingredients, perfect for engaging kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the dough mixture
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar Acidic component for the reaction
- 1/4 cup corn syrup Can substitute with honey for a different texture
- 2 cups corn starch Essential for the dough's texture and growth
Equipment & Miscellaneous
- 1 cookie cutter in tree shape
- 1 can cooking spray For greasing the baking sheet
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 string or ribbon for hanging Optional for finishing touches
- to taste food coloring or glitter Optional for decoration
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
- Watch the mixture fizz and bubble — a delightful sensory experience!
- Once the fizzing subsides, stir in 1/4 cup corn syrup.
Create the Dough
- Gradually add 2 cups of corn starch to the wet mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, using your hands if necessary.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to achieve your desired color.
Shape Your Ornament
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out your tree shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake the Ornaments
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 2-3 hours until solid and dry.
- The ornaments will slightly puff up as they bake, giving a charming texture.
Final Touches
- Once cool, use a drill or sharp object to make a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.
- Tie a piece of string or ribbon through the hole for hanging.
- Optionally, sprinkle some glitter on your ornaments for extra sparkle.
Notes
Swap corn syrup with honey for a different texture. Use different cookie cutter shapes to create a variety of ornaments. Add peppermint extract to the dough for a festive scent. Paint the dried ornaments with acrylic paints for a more vibrant look.