School is out and summer is finally here! For parents in need of ways to keep their kids busy and entertained this summer, consider crafting with Epsom salt – a safe, inexpensive and easy-to-find ingredient. Here are four art and science-themed crafts that are sure to spark your child’s creativity and curiosity this summer:
Epsom Salt Painting
Materials:
- Boiling water
- Small jars
- Food coloring
- Epsom salt
- Paint brushes
- Heavy-weight paper
Instructions:
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water into each jar.
- Add a few drops of food coloring.
- Mix in 1 cup of Epsom salt and stir until the crystals have dissolved.
- Paint designs onto the paper.
- Watch the sparkling crystals form on the paper as water dries!
DIY Suncatcher
Materials:
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup Epsom salt
- Microwaveable dish
- Clear, plastic lid
- Scissors
- String
Instructions:
- Heat the water in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Add in Epsom salt and stir until the salt crystals have dissolved.
- Pour the mixture onto the plastic lid (just enough to cover the bottom) and then let it sit by a window overnight to dry.
- When completely dry, the lid should be covered in Epsom salt crystals! Cut a small hole near the edge of the plastic lid and use a string to hang your suncatcher in the window.
Crystal Garden
Materials:
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- ½ boiling water
- Spoon
- Food coloring (optional)
- Glass cup or bowl
Instructions:
- Mix together Epsom salt and boiling water
- Stir for 1-2 minutes
- Mix in 1-2 drops of food coloring
- Refrigerate overnight
- Display your crystal garden!
Homemade Playdough
Materials:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Glass cup or bowl
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine flour, Epsom salt and cream of tartar.
- Slowly stir in boiling water, oil and food coloring – add in some glitter for extra fun!
- Mix until solid.
- Add more flour, if needed, to reach your desired texture.
- Place in refrigerator to cool for 10 minutes.
