Description
Create your own colorful, super bouncy balls with this simple DIY recipe using school glue, borax, and cornstarch. Perfect for a fun science experiment or a playful craft project, these homemade bouncy balls are easy to make and customizable with food coloring.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup white school glue
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon borax powder
- 1 tablespoon water (for glue mixture)
- ¼ cup warm water (for borax solution)
- ¼ teaspoon food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Borax Solution: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of borax powder with ¼ cup warm water. Stir until the borax completely dissolves to create a clear solution.
- Mix Glue and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of white school glue, ¼ cup of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Add Color (Optional): If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the glue mixture and stir well to evenly distribute the color throughout the mixture.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually pour the borax solution into the glue mixture while stirring continuously. The mixture will start to clump and form a ball-like texture as it firms up.
- Knead the Ball: When the mixture begins to take shape, remove it from the bowl and knead it with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes. If the ball feels sticky, sprinkle a little more cornstarch and continue kneading until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky.
- Shape the Ball: Roll the kneaded mixture between your palms to form a smooth, round ball, making sure it is evenly shaped and compact.
- Let It Dry: Place the bouncy ball on a flat surface and allow it to dry for a few hours. Once dried, your bouncy ball is ready to bounce and enjoy!
Notes
- Use white school glue, not clear glue, for best results.
- Adjust the cornstarch quantity if the mixture is too sticky or too dry.
- Always supervise children when handling borax as it can be irritating if ingested or comes into contact with eyes.
- Store finished bouncy balls in a sealed container when not in use to maintain their elasticity.
- Food coloring is optional; you can make bouncy balls clear or colored based on preference.
