Games

Lately my kids have been on a craft kick. So I was glad to have I found today’s Bouncy Ball craft (which comes from The Idea Room) on Pinterest. 

The ingredients are basic enough:

• Borax (1/2 teaspoon)
• Warm Water (2 tablespoons)
• Food coloring (optional)
• Glue (1 tablespoon)
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)

You will also need:

• Two cups
• One stirring stick (such as a plastic spoon)

Now, a quick word of warning before we get started with today’s craft. Follow the instructions. Exactly. Do NOT wing it. I’m speaking from experience as I thought I could pull a Rachael Ray and “eyeball it.” Um, no. Don’t do that. (It only took me three tries to realize this.)

You will use one cup for your borax solution and the other for your ball mixture. I labeled mine per the blogger’s instructions, but this is probably an optional step.

In the cup labeled “Borax” you are going to mix the borax and warm water until dissolved. At this point, you could stir in a little food color if you wish to make your bouncy ball a cheery color.

In the second cup, you will put the tablespoon of glue, the tablespoon of cornstarch, and then 1/2 teaspoon of the Borax mixture you just made from the other cup.

You let these ingredients sit for 10-15 minutes BEFORE stirring. I’m guessing this is where some fancy chemical reaction occurs. (I probably should’be paid more attention in science class.)

Then you will stir, stir, stir, until you can’t stir anymore because you basically have a big glob. Take it out and work it with your fingers, kneading it.

It will be pretty messy at first, but if you keep at it, it will come together quickly. (If you have really little ones, you might want to handle this part yourself.) Soon, you’ll be able to roll it into a little ball. This recipe makes one bouncy ball, so note that if you have more than one craft helper.

So did this thing actually bounce? Well, yes, it did! As the blogger suggested, it bounced slightly better on a carpeted surface than my kitchen floor. I found this interesting. I will mention that while it bounces, it’s not like one of those ridiculously bouncy bouncy balls you get at the toy store or Old Navy (seriously – WHY do they have a bouncy ball machine in the middle of Old Navy?!)

These balls will also dry out and flatten. Ours didn’t last more than a couple days, but it was definitely a fun one to try. It was also messy – a plus in my daughter’s book.

Want more craft ideas? Try these. You probably have all the items sitting in your pantry right now:

• Repurposing newspapers to make pretend menus
• Easy ornaments with flour, salt, and water
• Do-it-yourself erupting volcano

{ 4 comments }