Crystal Growing Tree Ornaments
A delightful craft that combines creativity and scientific learning by growing beautiful crystal ornaments for your holiday decor.
Ingredients
Materials
- 1 cup Borax
- 3 cups Water Boiling water is required.
- 2 Pipe cleaners (green, brown) Green for the tree, brown for the trunk.
- 1 Pencil or stick To suspend the tree in the solution.
- 1 Glass jar or bowl For mixing the solution.
- 1 optional String For suspending the tree.
- optional Food coloring To customize the crystal color.
- 1 Measuring cups
Instructions
Preparing the Pipe Cleaners
- Bend the green pipe cleaner into a tree shape. Use a brown pipe cleaner for the trunk.
- Twist the brown pipe cleaner to the bottom of the green tree shape securely.
Making the Crystal Solution
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
- Carefully pour the boiling water into a glass jar or bowl, then add 1 cup of Borax. Stir well until dissolved.
- If desired, mix in a few drops of food coloring to customize your crystal color.
Growing the Crystals
- Tie a string to the top of the tree shape and suspend it in the jar so it doesn't touch the sides or bottom.
- Leave the jar undisturbed for 6-12 hours. You will see the crystals beginning to form!
- After the time has passed, carefully pull out your tree and let it dry.
Notes
Experiment with different food colorings for unique effects. Use cookie cutters to create various shapes with pipe cleaners.