Borax is a common laundry product that whitens, brightens and freshens clothes. But when mixed with water in a concentrated solution, can form beautiful crystals on pipe cleaners or any textured surface.
Begin by mixing 3 tablespoons of borax per 1 cup of hot water. You will need a deep plastic or glass container that will allow the base structure to be covered by the solution.
I used a one quart container with 9 tablespoons of borax and 3 cups of hot water. Stir the borax solution until all particles are dissolved.
Bend a pipe cleaner into your desired shape. It should be narrow enough to slip inside the container without touching the sides. It should also not touch the bottom or the crystals will not form evenly.
Use a pencil or craft stick and a bit of wire to suspend the shape in the borax solution.
Let the pipe cleaner form remain in the solution for at least eight hours or overnight. Do not disturb. The crystals will continue to build.
When you remove the heart from the solution, place on a paper towel to dry.
To reuse the solution, simply heat in the microwave and stir until all particles are dissolved. You can use it over and over with a new form.
Use the finished crystals in the windows as sun catchers. Use to decorate a holiday tree or package. The crystals will last for years if kept dry.
Specific questions? Just ask here.
