The following is a post written by author and Crafts Contributor Rae Grant of My Little Hen. This post originally appeared June 2010.
Some people say that kids will only be inventive if they are allowed to experience boredom. Although it was soap maker Andrew Pears who popularized bubble blowing in the late 1800’s, I have no doubt that it was probably a child who came up with the idea of making homemade bubbles one hot summer day in July.
Perfect Boredom Buster
With summer coming as fast as it can, so is the need to have a few activities for your kids to do when they have some down time. Making bubbles is one of the more simple and fanciful ways to spend a warm sunny afternoon. They work well on a grassy lawn, outside on the steps, under the shade of a tree, and even in the kitchen.
When it comes to kids, bubbles have everything going for them; they fascinate, they float, have rainbow colors, and require some skill to blow a good bubble. They can be treated as a scientific experiment or as a past time. Best of all, they are inexpensive to make.
Bubbles are, indeed, the perfect boredom buster for a summer day.
Alone or with a group of friends, they are sure to entertain. Parents, don’t underestimate the power of a little liquid soap to occupy your kids.
Photo by SteveFE
Let the kids experiment. Making and experimenting with the homemade bubble solution is fun for young scientists, but it’s also appealing to the inventors too.
Try collecting an array of bubble blowers made from everyday household items such as a funnel, a straw, or rubber band. Don’t forget to save and reuse bubble wands too.
You can even make bubble art using a paper cone. Add tints of food coloring to the solution and blow the bubbles directly on a sheet of paper onto paper to make bubble art.
Homemade Bubble Solution
It is very simple to make your own bubble solution.
1. Gather small and large plastic or steel funnels, drinking straws, rubber bands ( thick and thin)
2. Mix together in a bowl or metal baking pan:
1 cup warm water
½ cup dishwashing soap
1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional)
3. Combine ingredients in a bowl, or metal baking pan and stir well.
To begin, dip the open end of the funnel, paper cone, or drinking straw into the soapy solution and blow lightly through the non-soapy end. The corn syrup helps to create a sturdy BIG bubble.
Once the kids have mastered the art of bubble blowing have a contest to see who can make the largest bubble. Serve with a glass of cold homemade lemonade and you’ll have an almost perfect event.
Look for Rae’s new book, Homemade Fun: 101 Crafts and Activities to Do with Kids to be released June 8, 2010 and come back here tomorrow for a chance to win your very own copy!