Transform pipe cleaners into crystal stars just as sparkly as real ones.
Materials :
- Wide-mouthed jar
- Water
- Borax (available at grocery stores)
- Food coloring
- Pipe cleaners
- String
- Pencil
Step 1 :
Fill the jar with boiling water (adults only) or heat water in a plastic quart container by microwaving it for 5 or 6 minutes. Mix Borax into the heated water, a tablespoon at a time (about 3 tablespoons per cup of water), until you notice powder settling on the bottom of the jar. Stir in food coloring to create a dark tint.
Step 2 :
Next, bend a pipe cleaner into the shape of a star. Tie one end of the string to the star and the other end around the pencil. Rest the pencil on the jar lid so that your pipe cleaner is suspended in the solution. Set aside overnight.
Step 3 :
As the water cools and evaporates, Borax molecules will stack together. By morning, the star will be covered with glittery crystals. Remove it from the jar; let it drip dry. Then, hang it up for a decorative sun catcher or use a few to make a mobile.
