Is borax safe to use in crafts?

Borax works well for crystals, but it can irritate skin and eyes. Use gloves and avoid inhaling the powder. Keep it away from children and pets. If someone ingests it, contact a poison control center promptly.

How long should I leave the ornaments in the solution?

You can check after an hour to see initial growth. For fuller, heavier crystals, leave them overnight or up to 24 hours. Longer can make larger crystals, but disturbing the jar can cause uneven growth.

Why did my crystals form cloudy instead of clear?

Cloudy crystals can come from impurities in the water, too rapid cooling, or using too much borax at once. Try filtering water or stirring until fully dissolved, and let the jar sit undisturbed in a calm spot.

Can I make colored crystals?

Yes, but use color sparingly. One tiny drop of food coloring in a cup is enough for a soft tint. Too much dye can change how the crystals grow and can make colors streaky.

Can I reuse the borax solution?

You can try to reuse it if you carefully remove debris and bring it back to a near-boil to dissolve any settled crystals. Fresh solution often gives more consistent results, so many makers prefer to mix new.

Growing Crystal Ornaments 2026

Growing Crystal Ornaments

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Create beautiful crystal ornaments using simple materials for a calming craft experience.

Author: margaret-ellis
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 1 ornament
Category: Craft
Method: Crystal Growing
Cuisine: N/A
Diet: N/A

Ingredients

Pipe cleaners (in desired shapes)
Cotton thread or thin fishing line
Wide-mouth glass jar or heatproof cup
Borax powder (plain laundry borax)
Boiling water
Measuring cup and spoon
Pencil or clothespin
Heat-safe spoon for stirring
Small bowl (optional)
Gloves and safety glasses (recommended)
Food coloring or liquid watercolors (optional)
Paper towels and a tray

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Instructions

Shape your ornament gently with your hands.
Tie a short loop of thread at the top.
Boil water and measure carefully.
Add borax to the hot water.
Add color if you like, a drop at a time.
Suspend the shaped ornament in the jar.
Set the jar somewhere undisturbed.
Wait and watch slowly.
Remove the ornament carefully.
Dry and set the piece.
Trim any rough edges and attach a final ribbon.
Clean your materials and wash hands.

Notes

Store ornaments in a cool, dry box when not in use. Wrap each in acid-free tissue to protect.

Find it online: https://www.cozyhandsdiy.com/growing-crystal-ornaments/