Stretchy Slime

This is the most fun we have had with a sensory play activity in ages. I must admit it has the been frustrating for me as I tried so many different ingredients and methods to come up with the one that we thought was the best. But don’t worry, I’ve done all the hard for you and out of all my testing, there was a hands down winner and I have shared this with you below. 

This slime recipe includes PVA glue, water, food colouring and borax.  The inclusion of Borax might be a concern to some parents but I have looked into it in detail and the general consensus is that  since the recipe only calls for ½ tsp, it is fine to use in the making of slime since such a small quantity is required. Borax is only toxic if consumed in large quantities and given that glue is the main ingredient, it would be expected that this is an activity suitable for children 4 years and older or children that no longer put everything in their mouths.

As an alternative, I tried to recreate the same or at least a similar substance using many different methods but unfortunately none of them even came close to the slime that used borax.  I tried glue and dish liquid, glue and liquid laundry detergent, glue and starch and glue and Epsom salts and the end results were a whole lot of sticky mess and about 2 litres of wasted glue.

The glue and Epsom salt mixture formed a pliable substance but it was not stretchy and to be totally honest, we found it quite boring to play with.

So for the post today, I am concentrating on the method that uses the borax as it created a product that was every bit as good as the one you buy in the toy stores.

What you need:

• PVA glue
• Water
• Food colouring
• Borax*
• Bowls & measuring spoons
• Stiring spoon

* Borax can be found in some supermarkets (in the cleaning products isle) but I bought out container of borax from Bunnings

I have 2 recipes listed below.  They use the same ingredients but in different proportions which create a different consistency.  One is fast and runnier and the other is firmer (like silly putty) and holds its shape better. I have shown the difference in the photos.  The yellow is the fast slime and the blue is the slow slime.   Since you have the ingredients, why not try both with the kids and compare them.  It makes for a great experiment!

FAST SLIME – slime that pours like soft serve ice-cream

• ½ cup PVA glue
• 3 Tbspn water
• Food colouring
• ¼ tsp borax
• 1 Tbspn warm water

1. In a medium bowl, add PVA glue and 3 Tbspn water and food colouring. Stir to combine. 

2. In a separate bowl, add ¼ tsp borax with 1 Tbspn warm water. Stir to dissolve. Be specific when measuring out the borax because if you add too much, the slime will be hard and not stretchy.

3. Pour borax solution into the glue and stir through. You will notice that the glue will start to clump together and it will be harder to stir.  At this point, get in there with your fingers and stir through.  Don’t stress if the mixture appears too sticky and soft as it will start to come together the more you stir it.  It may take a minute or two so don’t give up and throw it in the sink!

4. Soon the mixture will stop sticking to the bowl and you will be able to pick it up and play with it. Throw it on the bench and watch it spread out.  Then just peel it off. Let it run through your fingers and onto the tiles like soft serve ice-cream. It is so much fun and you can play with it for ages.

5. Store in a zip lock bag in the fridge. Make sure you seal it up properly and keep the bag upright as it can ooze through the seal and go all over your fridge (I am speaking from experience here….).

SLOW SLIME – silly putty that is firmer and holds its shape a little more than the above recipe.

• ½ cup PVA glue
• ½ cup water
• Food colouring
• ½ tsp borax
• 1 Tbspn warm water

Use the same method as described above.

NOTES:

• For use in children 4 years and older. This is because children at this age won’t typically put the slime in their mouths.

• Wash your hands after playing with the slime.

• DO NOT get the slime in your hair. This will result in a trip to the hairdresser and use of the clippers! It’s best to have children with long hair to tie their hair back  before playing.

• DO NOT drop the slime on the carpet or outside in the dirt and grass. It is best played with on tiles, pavers, bench top, table top or any smooth surface.