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margaret-ellis

Simple Cornstarch Bioplastic

A therapeutic crafting recipe for making bioplastic from cornstarch, water, and glycerin, resulting in flexible and moldable material.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1 bioplastic sheet
Course: Cooking
Cuisine: Cooking
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 part cornstarch
  • 2 parts water
  • 1 teaspoon glycerin
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
  • Silicone mat or parchment paper
  • Rolling pin or smooth bottle
  • Soft cloth or small weights optional
  • Food coloring or natural pigments optional

Method
 

  1. Measure cornstarch and water into a small bowl.
  2. Stir until the mixture looks like thin milk and no lumps remain.
  3. Add a teaspoon of glycerin and vinegar.
  4. Mix again with soft, circular motions.
  5. Pour the mixture into a shallow saucepan and set the heat low to medium.
  6. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon.
  7. Watch as the liquid turns cloudy and thickens.
  8. Remove from heat when it pulls away from the pan.
  9. Transfer the warm paste to a silicone mat or parchment paper.
  10. Press gently with fingers to flatten it.
  11. Use a rolling pin to roll the piece into an even sheet.
  12. Place flowers or textures if desired and press them into the surface.
  13. Let the sheet cool to room temperature and dry for several hours.
  14. Peel the piece from the mat once fully dry.
  15. Store finished pieces in a cool, dry place.

Notes

Glycerin keeps the material flexible and prevents cracking. If planning to press flowers, prepare them beforehand for best results.