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Bubble Solution
Based on the recipe used by the Exploratorium
2/3 cup (150 ml) Joy or Dawn dishwashing soap
1 gallon (3.8 L) water (distilled water works best)
2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) glycerin* (optional)
* Glycerin is available in pharmacies or chemical supply houses. It makes the bubbles last a little longer before they pop, but the solution works well without it.
Play Dough
2 cups (500 ml) flour
1 cup (250 ml) salt
1 teaspoon (5 ml) cream of tartar
2 tablespoons (25 ml) oil
1 teaspoon (5 ml) food coloring
2 cups (500 ml) water
1. Mix ingredients in a saucepan. Ask a grown-up for help in cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until dough leaves the sides of the pan.
2. Remove dough from pan and when cool to the touch, knead for a few minutes.
Paper-Mache
3 cups (750 ml) cold water
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) flour
Oil of peppermint
1. In a heavy saucepan, stir flour into cold water. Ask a grown-up to cook over low heat until the mixture thickens to a creamy paste.
2. Cool; then add a few drops of peppermint oil.
Soapy Dough
This recipe makes a soft and fragrant dough. It is great for pinching patting and rolling objects.
2 cups flour
½ cup salt
Food coloring or dry termera
1 tablespoon liquid soap
1/8 cup water
Mixing bowl
Spoon
1. Mix flour, salt, coloring and soap in a bowl for 1 minute.
2. Slowly add water, a little at a time, and stir until dough is workable.
3. Knead well
4. Shape dough any way you like.
Tips:
Objects air-dry in 48 hours.
Dough will retain some moisture when dry.
Keeps at least two weeks, unrefrigerated, in a plastic bag.
Suggestions:
Make a mobile. Use a toothpick to poke a hole at the top of each shape. When dry, add a ribbon and hang from a cardboard circle.
Salty Playdough
This is great to play with when it is fresh and warm! If you leave it white, it almost glows and the salt sparkles like ice crystals. However, this dough is also fun to add a touch of color to as well.
1 cup salt
½ cup cornstarch
¾ cup cold water
Saucepan
Heat source
Mixing spoon
Wax paper, foil, or plastic wrap
1. Combine all ingredients in saucepan over low heat.
2. Cook 5 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly (yes, really constantly).
3. Remove from heat when mixture looks like thick mashed potatoes and forms stiff peaks.
4. Spoon onto heat resistant surface and cool for 5 minutes.
5. Knead in a few drops of color at this time if you choose.
Tips:
Projects will air-dry in 48 hours.
Keeps at least three weeks, unrefrigerated, in a plastic bag.
Thick Rainbow Crayons
Recycle Old crayons into new colorful rainbow crayons.
Assortment of peeled crayon stubs (sorted by color)
Saucepan
Heat source
Empty film containers
Paper towels
Nonstick cooking spray
1. Place several stubs of the same color crayon in saucepan and melt
over low heat. Or try melting crayons in the microwave. Make a double-boiler
for melting crayons, which keeps a more consistent temperature - no scorching
or hot spots. Some crayons melt faster than others and the double-boiler helps
even it out. Put about an inch of water in a yogurt cup, and broken crayon pieces
in another yogurt cup. Put crayon pieces that are all the same color in the cup
on top of water yogurt cup. Microwave for 30 sec to one minute. Stir crayons,
repeat until nearly melted. Allow to sit (with water underneath) until completely
melted. Be careful lifting the crayon cup out of the water (steam!) cup - it's
hot! Pour melted crayon as directed below.
2. Spray containers with cooking spray.
3. When crayons have melted completely, pour into the empty film containers ¼ full.
4. Wipe leftover wax out of pan with a paper towel to prepare for the next color.
5. When first layer of melted crayon is firm (about 20 minutes), melt
the next color and pour the second layer of color.
6. Continue the procedure until you have 4 layers.
7. Allow about 30 minutes for crayons to harden completely, then tap container on a hard surface to loosen and remove.
Tips: Rainbow crayons may break between layers. I guess that would make them crayon coins! |
