How to Make DIY Bouncy Balls That Really Bounce – A Borax Craft Kids Love
Discover the Fun Side of Borax: This DIY bouncy ball project is your colorful solution to messy crafts. Looking for a fast, fun way to entertain your kids while sneaking in some science? Learn how to turn everyday items into a DIY toy that actually bounces—perfect for a rainy afternoon or hands-on learning playdate!
I’ve always had a soft spot for Borax. Growing up, I’d watch my grandmother pull out her trusty box of Borax and sprinkle it into the laundry. That simple act of adding a laundry booster was like magic—stains vanished, and clothes sparkled. Over the years, I’ve found countless uses for Borax around the house, from removing stubborn stains to exploring their website for cleaning tips. But today, let’s dive into something a bit more playful: making Borax bouncy balls!
Unleash the Fun: Borax Bouncy Balls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Makes 1 bouncing ball
A Blast from the Past: The Charm of DIY Bouncy Balls
Borax bouncing balls have been a staple of DIY fun for ages. They’re not just a childhood craft; they’re an engaging project for all ages. Combining Borax with simple ingredients like school glue and water, you can create a squishy, bouncy ball that provides hours of entertainment.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon 20 Mule Team Borax
- 1/2 Cup Warm Water
- Ziploc Bag
- 3 Tablespoons Elmer’s School Glue
Steps to Create Your Bouncy Ball:
- Prepare the Borax Solution:
- Pour 1/2 cup of warm water into a Ziploc bag.
- Add 1 tablespoon of 20 Mule Team Borax.
- Seal the bag and gently knead until the Borax is fully dissolved.
- Incorporate the Glue:
- Quickly add 3 tablespoons of Elmer’s School Glue to the Borax solution. The glue will start to thicken rapidly, so work fast!
- Mix and Knead:
- Seal the bag again and knead the mixture. It may feel sticky or lumpy at first—keep kneading until it firms up.
- Shape Your Bouncy Ball:
- Remove the mixture from the bag and continue kneading with your hands. Shape it into a round ball.
Test Your Creation:
- Your homemade bouncy ball is ready once it’s no longer sticky. Give it a bounce and enjoy the fun!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Bouncy Ball:
- Work quickly when adding the glue, as the mixture stiffens fast.
- If the ball gets sticky later, knead it again or store it in the original Borax solution.
- Leftover mixture? Store it in an airtight container for future fun.
FAQs About Borax Bouncing Balls:
Q1: Is Borax safe for this activity?
A1: Yes, when used as directed. Always supervise children, avoid ingestion, and wash hands afterward.
Q2: Can I add color to my bouncing ball?
A2: Absolutely! Add a few drops of food coloring to the glue before combining.
Q3: My ball is too sticky—what should I do?
A3: Knead more or add a pinch more Borax until it’s just right.
Alternative Names for Borax Bouncy Balls:
- DIY Bouncy Balls
- Homemade Squishy Balls
- Glue and Borax Bouncers
Ready to Dive Into Your DIY Project?
Grab your supplies and get started! Need Borax or glue? Shop this link on Amazon for top-quality ingredients shipped to your door. Don’t forget to share your creations in the comments or tag us online!
The Versatility of Borax: Beyond Bouncing Balls
Borax isn’t just for DIY fun—it’s a powerhouse around the house too:
- Stain Remover: Brightens laundry and banishes grime.
- Pest Control: Natural deterrent for bugs and ants.
- Slime & Crafts: Essential for gooey slime and crystal snowflakes.
- Weed Killer, Rust Remover, Fire Retardant: Yep, Borax does all that too.
Pin It for Later: Save this kid-friendly craft to your DIY Projects board and revisit any time boredom strikes.
Share Your Bounce! Did your kids love it? Snap a pic and tag us at @jonbonjovious or leave a comment below!
Want More DIY Magic?
Explore more kid-tested science experiments and crafts on Mommy’s Memorandum. From colorful slime to erupting volcanos, there’s something fun and educational for every curious kiddo.
Bounce into More Fun: Looking for your next activity? Check out our full collection of kids’ crafts here and keep the creativity going!