Winter is full of magical shapes – snowflakes, icicles and ice crystals. Make our own crystals that look like delicate ice crystals or frozen snowflakes with this fun winter activity. A dry winter house will help speed this experiement along as it evaporates the water in the recipe very quickly. To add some sparkle to winter days, my boys poke a small hole in their creation and hang it in front of a sunny window.
What you need:
- Epsom salts
- Very warm water
- Clear plastic lids
- Bowl
What you do:
- Measure 1 cup of Epsom salts into a bowl.
- Add 1 cup of very warm water.
- Stir for 1-2 minutes until salt is dissolved. (Microwave for 30 seconds if water needs to be re-warmed)
- Place the lids in a sunny, dry location.
- Pour the salt water mixture in a very thin layer into the lid.
- Let set overnight.
When the liquid has completely evaporated, hold up the lid and marvel at your beautiful crystals from both sides of the lid.
To catch some winter sunshine, with a push pin, poke a small hole in the lid to thread a piece of yarn or string through. Then use the string to hang your winter crystal catcher in front of a window to catch some winter sun!
