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Crystal Flowers

A calming DIY project that involves creating beautiful crystal flowers using simple materials and patience.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 1 crystal flower
Course: Crafting
Cuisine: Crafting
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Clear glass jar or mason jar clean and dry
  • Boiling water
  • Epsom salts or alum powder
  • Paper or thin fabric petals coffee filters, lightweight craft paper, or cotton fabric
  • Pipe cleaners or thin wire
  • String or thin thread
  • Pencil or wooden skewer
  • Food coloring or diluted watercolor paint optional
  • Small tray or towel to catch drips
  • Gloves or cloth to protect hands
  • Tweezers or long wooden skewer for adjustments optional

Method
 

  1. Shape the base by folding a coffee filter or piece of thin cotton into a petal or flower shape around a pipe cleaner stem.
  2. Form the stem and hanger by bending a pipe cleaner into a stem and attaching the petal, then wrapping a small length of thread around the stem tip.
  3. Pour boiling water into your jar until it is three quarters full and stir in Epsom salts or alum slowly until they no longer dissolve.
  4. Add color gently by dipping a toothpick into food coloring and touching it to the surface of the solution.
  5. Lower the petal into the jar so it floats without touching the sides, resting the pencil on the jar rim.
  6. Wait and check the growth of the crystals after a few hours and then once a day.
  7. Remove the petal when the crystals reach the desired look and let excess solution drip back into the jar.
  8. Finish by trimming any rough edges on the pipe cleaner stem and setting the flower upright.

Notes

You can substitute similar items; for different textures and effects, use other materials for petals. Safety note: handle hot water with care and wear gloves.