CraftPals
Crystal gardens

Pete@QWP posted Message 171 in the Children and room-Mom crafts
Subject: Crystal Gardens
I used to make these as a kid and they always fascinated me. I had long since lost the recipe and when I found it posted here on CraftPals. I went out and bought the supplies (they are real cheap) and made one Friday night ( for me) and then shared the fun Saturday with my nieces and nephews while Sally gave a painting class to her sisters. ( those images will be up soon)
They continued to grow through the night. By morning the were taking over the larger pie pan they had been set in.

Crystal Garden
6 tbsp Salt
6 tbsp liquid Bluing (Mrs Stewarts brand)
6 tbsp Water
1 tbsp Ammonia
Food coloring

Combine salt, bluing, water and ammonia. Pour over small pieces of rock ( We use shards of red clay brick) or coal in a shallow GLASS OR CHINA bowl(I used miniature pie pans - disposable).
Drip food coloring on top, if desired. Crystals will begin to grow soon. Add water occasionally to keep crystals growing. You'll probably want to place dish on a tray or wooden board as crystals grow over the sides of the bowl.

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