Homemade Silly Putty

As we move from Winter snow to spring rain, we're still having quite a few stay-inside days in the Midwest. 

As a matter of fact, it's currently hailing outside. 

 A few weeks ago we thought it would be fun to make our own rubber bouncy balls. What resulted was not the least bit bouncy, but just as fun! As it turns out, our little project yielded colored silly putty (which is probably safer for my windows and other breakables anyway...). 

It was a super simple activity using materials we already had on hand from previous crafts and science experiments. 

That's the best kind of project in my book!

You will need:
2 tbsp. white glue
3 tbsp. cornstarch
3-4 tbsp. hot water
1/2 tsp. Borax
food coloring

Start by mixing the cornstarch into the hot water until it is completely dissolved.

Add the Borax and stir.

Add your glue to a separate, small bowl.

Put in your food coloring, adding more to deepen the color.

The girls had a really fun time mixing the colors!

Once the glue mixture is the color you'd like (keep in mind, it will lighten when added to the other mixture), add it to the Borax/cornstarch/water mixture and stir.

Keep stirring until it is completely combined.

Here's what the putty looks like after all of the liquid is mixed into the glue.

Still pretty damp and sticky...

After working with the putty by squeezing and pulling it for a good 15 minutes, it dried and became more of a traditional silly putty texture.

The girls had a great time playing with their putty.

It was super fun and totally not messy once the putty began to dry.

They even made necklaces!

The Catfish spent a ton of time writing out her name with her putty...

She worked so hard!

We're storing our silly putty in these sealed baby food containers I've been hoarding...

Hope your week is off to a good start!