Making Snowflake Crystals from Borax

We have no snow outside so we are going to make our own inside. Ever made borax crystal strings or snowflakes? I haven't, but I am assured that this is a fun project. Be aware tough -- Borax is poisonous, especially to roaches and babies.

Directions:
In a wide mouth canning jar, add 3 Tbsp of borax per 2 cups of boiling water.
DETAILS:

1. Add borax one tablespoon at a time to the boiling water, stirring to dissolve after each addition. Remember the amount used is 3 tablespoons borax per cup of water. It is okay if some undissolved borax settles to the bottom of the jar.
2. Stir to dissolve.
3. If desired, you may tint the mixture with food color.

Make a shape using a pipe cleaner, and hang it from a pencil suspended across the jar mouth using a piece of yarn (don't let it touch the bottom).
Be sure water is high enough to cover.

Leave overnight.

Pull out and let dry.

Once dry, carefully hang in a window!

Tips:

1. Borax is available at grocery stores in the laundry soap section, such as 20 Mule Team Borax Laundry Booster. Do not use Boraxo soap.
2. Because boiling water is used and because borax isn't intended for eating, adult supervision is recommended for this project.
3. If you can't find borax, you can use sugar or salt (may take longer to grow the crystals, so be patient). Add sugar or salt to the boiling water until it stops dissolving. Ideally you want no crystals at the bottom of the jar.

What You Need:

• string
• wide mouth jar (pint)
• white pipe cleaners
• borax (see tips)
• pencil
• boiling water
• blue food coloring (opt.)
• scissors

Thanks to Mom in Madison for this post idea.

Credit also to About.com - Chemistry