Kids Kreate

Grow a Crystal FLOWER Garden

You can make beautiful and varied flower-like formations by using pipe cleaner designs and cotton swabs for the crystals to climb.

Materials

cotton swabs cut in half
pipe cleaners cut in (2 in) pieces
pieces of oil based clay
food coloring
water
liquid bluing- in the laundry section of the market
salt
ammonia
flat dishes - plastic margarine tubs work well-- (salt will corrode a metal dish)

Directions for Solution:

Make up a solution of:

(1/2 cup) water

(4 Tablespoons) liquid bluing

(4 Tablespoons) salt

(4 Teaspoons) ammonia (add last)

1. Soak ends of cotton swabs on food coloring the day before and allow to dry. Put drops of food coloring on the pipe cleaners.

2.Place a lump of clay on the bottom of the dish. Push 2-4 cotton swabs and/or pipe cleaners into the clay.

3. Pour the crystal flower solution in the cup so the clay and first 1/2 inch of the cotton swabs are covered. Set the dish in an open space where it will not be bumped much and watch your flowers grow. Crystals will begin to form within a few hours unless it is very humid.

Now try making some Edible Crystals

Belinda Mooney is the mother of seven children, a veteran homeschooler and a freelance writer. Her articles have appeared in over 70 publications. Her Kids in the Kitchen column is carried Mid-Ohio Valley Parenting, Families First and Gainesville Family. You can reach her at

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