Bioplastic Star Ornaments
Create unique, eco-friendly star ornaments using bioplastic derived from renewable resources. A fun and educational crafting project for all ages.
Ingredients
Bioplastic Mixture
- 1 cup cornstarch Main ingredient for the bioplastic.
- 1 cup vinegar Aids in the thickening process.
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup Adds sweetness and helps with the texture.
- as needed food coloring Optional for color customization.
Supplies
- 1 baking sheet To bake and dry the ornaments.
- 1 star-shaped cookie cutter To shape the ornaments.
- as needed canola oil or non-stick spray Prevents sticking.
- 1 wax paper To line the baking sheet.
- 1 oven Used to dry the ornaments.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 cup of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup.
- Stir over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken, achieving a paste-like consistency.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to achieve your preferred shade.
Shaping
- Once thickened, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Lightly oil your baking sheet and spread a sheet of wax paper on top to prevent sticking.
- Use your star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars from the bioplastic mixture.
Drying
- Transfer the shaped stars to the prepared baking sheet.
- Preheat your oven to the lowest setting and place the tray inside.
- Let them dry for about 1-2 hours while monitoring to ensure they don’t burn.
Finishing Touches
- Once thoroughly dried, remove the stars from the baking sheet.
- Use a hole puncher to create a small hole at the top of each star for hanging.
- String with twine or ribbon to finish.
Notes
Try different food coloring for a vibrant assortment or mix shapes like stars and hearts. You can also use stamps for textures before drying.