Are borax crystals safe for children?

Borax can irritate skin and eyes. I recommend adult supervision, gloves, and keeping borax away from mouths and small hands. For a child-friendly approach, try a baking soda method or use alum with careful adult handling. See our family-friendly crystal experiments for ideas.

Why did my crystals look cloudy or small?

Cloudy or small crystals often mean the solution did not reach full saturation or cooled too quickly. Try dissolving a little more borax while the water is hot, and let jars sit undisturbed at room temperature.

Can I color crystals with food coloring?

Yes, food coloring gives delicate hues. Add it sparingly when the solution is hot. Small amounts yield soft, watercolor-like tones. Heavier color can change the clarity.

How long will growth take?

You will see tiny crystals within a few hours. For substantial growth, leave shells overnight or for 24 hours. The longer you wait, the larger the crystals can become, up to a point.

Can I use plastic containers instead of glass?

You can, but glass helps you observe growth clearly and handles heat better. If you use plastic, let the hot solution cool slightly before pouring to avoid warping.

How To Make DIY Crystal Seashells 2026

DIY Crystal Seashells

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An enchanting craft project to create beautiful crystal seashells using simple materials and techniques.

Author: margaret-ellis
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Multiple seashells
Category: Craft
Method: Crafting

Ingredients

Clean seashells, medium to large
Borax powder or alum
Hot water
Clear glass jars or heatproof cups
String or thin wire
Pencils or chopsticks
Food coloring or liquid watercolor (optional)
Tweezers and gloves (optional)
A spoon for stirring
A small tray or towel
Glitter or mica powder (optional)

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Instructions

Wash and dry your shells slowly under warm water, rubbing gently with a soft brush.
Prepare a calm workspace by laying a towel or tray on your table with your necessary materials within reach.
Boil water and for each cup of hot water, stir in about three tablespoons of borax until dissolved.
If desired, add a drop or two of food coloring and stir gently to blend.
Tie each shell with string or wire, then suspend it in a jar using a pencil or chopstick.
Pour the borax solution into the jar, immersing the shell without letting it touch the sides.
Let the jars sit undisturbed at room temperature, loosely covered with a paper towel.
After several hours or overnight, gently check and remove the shells using tweezers or gloves.
Rinse and let the seashells dry fully to enhance the clarity of the crystals.
Display and enjoy your finished crystal seashells in a bowl or as part of a decorative centerpiece.

Notes

Use gloves when handling borax and avoid inhaling powders. For a child-friendly approach, consider using alum or baking soda instead.

Find it online: https://www.cozyhandsdiy.com/diy-crystal-seashells/