How to Make Homemade Silly Putty
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Have you ever wanted to learn how to make Silly Putty? If you’re looking for a fun arts and crafts idea to do with the kids, you’ll love this easy recipe on how to make your own homemade silly putty!
(printable instructions at the very bottom of post)
Homemade Silly Putty Craft:
It’s been a busy summer, but we’ve still been making time for a few fun craft and kitchen projects.
On the last trip to the grocery store, I stopped by the kid’s art supply section for a bit of inspiration and stumbled across this pink glitter glue (they had green too.) I grabbed a bottle of each color, since I just happen to know a sweet little boy and girl who would love to make something fun with glitter glue…
(And of course, mama had something very fun planned for the glue.)
We were going to learn how to make Homemade Silly Putty!
This homemade silly putty recipe/experiment is made with just 3 simple ingredients!
- Borax
- Classic Glitter Glue (not washable)
- water
That’s it! If you can’t find the non-washable glitter glue, that’s ok! You can make your own glitter glue with a few drops of food coloring and a few tablespoons of fine glitter.
How to make Homemade Silly Putty
Tips:
- Type of glue will affect the results of the Homemade Silly Putty. (look for non-washable)
- If you can’t find this glitter glue, make your own with a few drops of food coloring and a few tablespoons of colored glitter.)
Ingredients needed for the homemade silly putty:
- 4 oz bottle of regular school glue– not the washable kind (our first batch was made with washable glue, but the washable glue didn’t work too well, so I recommend using regular, all-purpose glue. If you can’t find this glitter glue, make your own glitter glue with a few drops of food coloring and a few tablespoons of colored glitter.)
- Water (equivalent to the amount of glue you are using. )
- 1 tsp Borax
- 4 additional oz. of warm water (this is used to dissolve the borax)
Instructions for the Silly Putty:
Step 1:
Mix together a 1 to 1 mixture of glue and water. (I made a half size batch for this demonstration.)
Sir the glue and water together until completely mixed.
Step 2:
Dissolve 1 tsp of borax into the 4 oz (1/2 cup) warm water. Pour borax water into the glue mixture and stir.
Keep stirring, after a few seconds the glue will begin to “gel” up.
Step 3:
Pick up the glue glob and squish it around for a few moments.
It will turn into a pliable, yet firm substance: Homemade Silly Putty!
It’s so cool!
If you find the “silly putty” is becoming less pliable, put it in the microwave and heat it up for 5 to 15 seconds (depending on the amount of silly putty.) Store in a zip-loc baggie.
I enjoyed my little piece of silly putty too, lol. (Makes a great adult fidget toy!)
*As always, you’ll want to provide the appropriate supervision for different ages when working with borax.
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How to make silly putty
Materials
- 4 oz bottle of regular school glue- not the washable kind (our first batch was made with washable glue, but the washable glue didn't work too well, so I recommend using regular, all-purpose glue. If you can't find this glitter glue, make your own glitter glue with a few drops of food coloring and a few tablespoons of colored glitter.)
- Water (equivalent to the amount of glue you are using. )
- 1 tsp Borax
- 4 additional oz. of warm water (this is used to dissolve the borax)
Instructions
Step 1:
- Mix together a 1 to 1 mixture of glue and water. (I made a half-size batch for this demonstration.)
- Sir the glue and water together until completely mixed.
Step 2:
- Dissolve 1 tsp of borax into the 4 oz (1/2 cup) warm water. Pour borax water into the glue mixture and stir.
- Keep stirring, after a few seconds the glue will begin to "gel" up.
Step 3:
- Pick up the glue glob and squish it around for a few moments.
- It will turn into a pliable, yet firm substance: Homemade Silly Putty!
Notes
If you find the "silly putty" is becoming less pliable, put it in the microwave and heat it up for 5 to 15 seconds (depending on the amount of silly putty.) Store in a zip-loc baggie.
