Bioplastic Ornaments
Create innovative and eco-friendly bioplastic ornaments using simple, biodegradable materials for a sustainable holiday decoration.
Ingredients
For the Mixture
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup cornstarch Can substitute with tapioca starch
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- food coloring (optional) Any food-safe coloring will work
Materials for Shaping & Drying
- cookie cutters (various shapes)
- oven or drying space
- wax paper or parchment paper
Instructions
Preparation of the Mixture
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup.
- Stir the mixture over medium heat until smooth and thickened.
Coloring the Mixture
- If desired, add food coloring to the mixture. Stir well to achieve a uniform color.
Shaping the Ornaments
- Once the mixture is thick and gooey, pour it onto a piece of wax paper or parchment paper.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Gently lift the cutters to leave the shapes on the paper.
Drying the Ornaments
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Place the wax paper with shapes onto a baking sheet and put it in the oven.
- Let the shapes dry for 1-2 hours or until completely hard, checking and flipping halfway through.
Decorating
- Once cool and hardened, paint, glitter, or add other decorations to your ornaments.
- Thread a string through each ornament for hanging.
Notes
For a delightful scent, consider adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract. Use silicone molds to create more intricate designs. Use acrylic paint for durable, colorful designs after drying.