Weekend Fun: Bubble Wands!
Warmer weather is on its way, so it’s time for some outdoor fun! Blowing bubbles is a great outdoor activity but let’s take it to the next level and make our own bubble wands.
What you need:
- 1 pipe cleaner (a.k.a. chenille strip)
- 12 pony beads or perler beads (any color)
- Bubble liquid (or see recipe for homemade bubbles below)
What you do:
- Fold the pipe cleaner in half, leaving a loop at the fold.
- Twist once below the loop to secure it.
- Push the beads onto the pipe cleaner from the loose ends. Be sure to put both ends into the bead.
- Push the first bead up to the loop, and push each bead after that up to the previous bead.
- After the last bead is on the pipe cleaner, bend the free ends up to secure the beads.
- Dip the loop end in bubble liquid.
- When you can see the liquid filling the hole of the loop, blow gently to push the bubbles out.
Need a bubble recipe? Try the one below, or mix a strong dish detergent like Dawn with some water and use that.
Try some of the other craft recipes below, too, if you wish!
Giant Long-lasting Bubble Recipe
Combine science with fun by making your own bubbles! Try this recipe on days with different weather and see how it affects the results …
What you need:
• 2 tablespoons good quality dish detergent like Joy or Dawn
• Approx. 8 oz. Water
• Pinch of sugar
• Optional: glycerine (available online or from drug stores)
• Cardboard tubes
What you do:
• Add the 2 tablespoons of dish detergent to the water and stir gently.
• Add a pinch of sugar to make the bubbles tough.
• Add 1 tablespoon glycerine to make the bubbles last longer.
• Dip one end of the cardboard tube in the bubble mix.
• Lift carefully and put your mouth into the other end and blow.
Tip: Experiment with other objects to see which make good bubbles: a string tied in a circle, a cookie cutter, a spatula with slots, or anything with a hole!
Allergy Alert: The sugar may attract bees, so heads up!
For more bubble fun, visit bubblesphere at bubbles.org.
Have an adventurous (and scientific) time making your own batches of paint, watercolors, and bubbles with these craft recipes!
Homemade Paint
There are many recipes for homemade paint online – search “how to make your own paint” both with and without the word “kids” and you will find plenty.
One Day Paint
Here is one that looks easy and makes just enough paint for one day. Don’t try to save it, as it won’t keep well!
What you need:
• ¾ cup flour
• 1 cup water
• food coloring
• clean empty jars or containers
• mixing bowl and spoon
What you do:
• Pour the water into the mixing bowl.
• Add the flour bit by bit, stirring constantly until the mixture is very, very smooth.
• Pour a small amount into each jar and use food coloring to make each one a different color.
Make Your Own Watercolor Paint
The secret ingredient? A package of drink mix! This paint will smell delicious.
What you need:
• 2 Tablespoons baking soda
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 package dry drink mix, unsweetened
• 2 tablespoons water
• Food coloring
• Container with compartments, like a muffin tin or ice cube tray
What you do:
• Mix the dry ingredients.
• Add water and stir until it no longer fizzes.
• Add food coloring to intensify the colors.
• Pour into the compartments and let it harden.
• When it’s ready, dip a paintbrush or cotton swab into water and apply to the paint!
• Tip: Try different flavors of drink mix to see how it changes the color.
Giant Long-lasting Bubble Recipe
Combine science with fun by making your own bubbles! Try this recipe on days with different weather and see how it affects the results …
What you need:
• 2 tablespoons good quality dish detergent like Joy or Dawn
• Approx. 8 oz. Water
• Pinch of sugar
• Optional: glycerine (available online or from drug stores)
• Cardboard tubes
What you do:
• Add the 2 tablespoons of dish detergent to the water and stir gently.
• Add a pinch of sugar to make the bubbles tough.
• Add 1 tablespoon glycerine to make the bubbles last longer.
• Dip one end of the cardboard tube in the bubble mix.
• Lift carefully and put your mouth into the other end and blow.
Tip: Experiment with other objects to see which make good bubbles: a string tied in a circle, a cookie cutter, a spatula with slots, or anything with a hole!
Allergy Alert: The sugar may attract bees, so heads up!
For more bubble fun, visit bubblesphere at bubbles.org.
