My kids want to make these colorful balls, but I'm concerned about cleanup. How messy is it really?

Cleanup is pretty manageable! Keep a towel or tray handy to catch any spills during mixing. Any glue that ends up on the table can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth. Just prepare for some sticky fingers, which can add to the fun!

What’s the right age for kids to participate in this?

This project is suitable for kids ages 5 and up, with some adult supervision. Younger children may need assistance with the mixing and rolling, but they'll enjoy the hands-on aspects.

Can I substitute borax if I don’t have any?

Absolutely! If you don’t have borax, you can simply skip it. The bouncy ball will still form just fine, although it may not bounce as high.

How do I know if the color will turn out well?

Generally, the food coloring will show up nicely, but the final color can vary once the ball sets. Encourage kids to experiment with different colors to create unique looks!

Can leftover ingredients be stored for next time?

Yes! Store any leftover glue or borax solutions in airtight containers. Just be mindful that the glue may thicken over time, so mixing it with a bit of warm water before using again can help.

Colorful Bouncy Ball

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A fun and engaging DIY project for kids to create colorful bouncy balls using simple household items.

Author: linda-harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 1 bouncy ball 1x
Category: Craft
Method: DIY
Cuisine: N/A
Diet: N/A

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup white PVA school glue
1/4 cup warm water
1 tsp borax powder (optional)
Food coloring or liquid dye
Measuring spoons and cups
Small mixing bowl
Spoon or stir stick
Baking cup liners or small molds (optional)
Tray or towel for cleanup
Gloves (optional)

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Instructions

Measure one quarter cup of white glue into your mixing bowl. Use a spoon to stir slowly until the glue feels smooth and glossy.
Add about one quarter cup of warm water to the bowl. Stir until the mixture is thin and even.
Drop one or two small drops of food coloring into the center of your glue mixture.
Prepare a borax solution by dissolving one teaspoon of borax in one cup of warm water.
Slowly add the borax solution to the glue mixture, one teaspoon at a time, stirring well after each addition.
Once the mixture begins to thicken, scoop it out with your hands.
Roll the pellet between your palms gently to form it into a round shape.
If sticky, sprinkle cornstarch over it and knead gently.
Let the ball rest on a paper towel for about an hour.
To add flair, roll the ball over dry pigments or press tiny beads into the surface.

Notes

Ensure to have a cleanup setup in place as the crafting can get a bit messy. This project is suitable for children ages 5 and up with adult supervision.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ball
Calories: 50
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Find it online: https://www.diymadeeasy.com/colorful-bouncy-ball/