Make Your Own Crystal Ornaments Tutorial

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Bring some science into the kids’ lives with these crystal ornaments “grown” from dissolved Borax. These ornaments are easy to make, dry hard, and are non-toxic to touch (just keep them out of the hands of younger kids, because they can look like candy).

Difficulty level: Intermediate
Time to complete: 8-10 hours (includes soaking time)
Age range: 10+

Things you’ll need:
Cookie cutter
Pipe cleaners
Mason jar
Scissors
Rattail cord
Popsicle sticks
Borax
Measuring cups
Stove, saucepan and spoon

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Things to do:
1. Wrap a pipe cleaner around a cookie cutter as shown. Cut off any excess. Make sure the shape will fit in the jar without touching the sides.
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2. Tie the cord to the top.
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3. Tie onto the stick to allow the pipe cleaner to dangle in the jar without touching anywhere.
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4. Boil 2 cups of water and add 1/2 cup of borax. Mix well.
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5. Pour into the jar and make sure it covers the shape. Allow this to sit for 4-8 hours and crystals will form on the pipe cleaner like magic!
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