Ornament Advent Day 5:Borax Crystals!

These borax crystals are very easy to make so
enjoy experimenting with different shapes and colors.
Another thing I like is that they are surprisingly
sturdy so little ones can easily hold them without
being afraid that they will break. For the scientific
explanation of what is happening here visit this link.
*Adult supervision is needed when using borax.


Supplies:
borax (in the laundry section of the grocery store)
cup and tablespoon measure
tall and thinnish glass jar
chenille stems
pencil or stick or similar
string for hanging

Directions:

→ Make a super-saturated solution of borax:
3 tablespoons of borax to 1 cup of hot water

→ stir until borax is dissolved

(most of the ones we did took 2 - 3 cups of
water to make it deep enough to hang
the ornaments)


→ make some interesting shapes with chenille
stems; hook one end for attaching the string;
make sure the shapes will fit within the mouth
of the jar


→ attach a string to the chenille stem ornament and hang in the jar of borax solution from a pencil laying across the top of the jar

→ make sure the shape is not touching the sides or bottom

→ place in a cool location over night


→ remove crystals from the jar and let dry on
some rags or paper towels

Aren't they beautiful?!

Variations:
*different color chenille stems
*add food coloring to the water for colored crystals

Book Suggestions:

Snowflake Bentley


The Secret Life of a Snowflake


Snow


Snow by Cynthia Rylant