Today, we are sharing a basic cloud slime recipe that we tend to make a lot during the winter around here. It is a fun sensory craft to do as a family inside when it’s cold, snowing, or raining outside.
Slime-making is a creative and entertaining activity that combines the joys of crafting with a touch of science. Whether you’re looking for an engaging sensory play idea for the kids or a simple DIY project for family time, this basic cloud slime recipe is sure to delight everyone.
Basic Recipe with Simple Ingredients
With just a few ingredients, including glue, borax, and warm water, you can whip up a fluffy, stretchy slime that’s perfect for fun and experimentation. Plus, it’s customizable with glitter and food coloring to make every batch unique!
Why Make Slime at Home?
Homesteading is all about embracing creativity, resourcefulness, and family bonding. Making cloud slime at home is a great way to engage kids in a fun science experiment while using simple ingredients you likely already have.
It’s also a wonderful opportunity to reduce waste by reusing containers for storage and incorporating leftover craft supplies like glitter or food coloring. This project fosters important skills like measuring, mixing, and experimenting. Perfect for nurturing curious young minds.
It’s a well-known fact, kids LOVE getting messy! Making slime is a great way for kids to learn about the science of polymers while reaping the benefits of sensory play. Slime is a polymer. Polymers are made up of long, bendy molecules that are kind of like spaghetti. There are lots of good examples of polymers, like plastic cups, balloons, and even skin.
Did you know, polymers actually have two parts. The long, bendy polymer molecules are not very sticky, so to make a big polymer, we need to add a “cross-linker.”
In this craft recipe, borax acts as the cross-linker, transforming the glue into slime. As you mix, you’ll create a fun sensory experience and a valuable learning opportunity for your little scientists.
Basic Cloud Slime Recipe: A Fun Sensory Craft
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Equipment
Materials
- 1 Cup Water warm
- 1 Teaspoon Borax Powder
- 1 Cup Glue clear or white, depending on your desired look
- Glitter optional, for a sparkly finish
- Food coloring optional, to add a pop of color
Instructions
- Prepare the Activator Solution. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of borax powder. Stir until the borax dissolves completely. This borax solution is your “cross-linker.”1 Cup Water, 1 Teaspoon Borax Powder
- Create the Glue Base. In a separate bowl, pour 1 cup of glue (either clear or white, depending on your preference).1 Cup Glue
- Add a few drops of food coloring and a sprinkle of glitter, if desired. Mix well with the wooden ice pop stick.Food coloring
- Combine and Activate. Slowly add the borax solution to the glue mixture, a little bit at a time, while stirring. You’ll notice the slime forming almost immediately.Glitter
- Continue stirring until the slime begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. If it’s too sticky, add a little more borax solution.
- Knead and Play. Remove the slime from the bowl and knead it with your hands until it reaches the perfect stretchy, fluffy consistency.
Homesteading Tips for Slime Making
Reuse and Repurpose. Store your slime in clean, airtight containers you’ve repurposed from other household items. This keeps the slime fresh and reduces waste.
Natural Additions. For a unique touch, experiment with natural colorings like beet juice or turmeric powder instead of synthetic food coloring.
Educational Fun
Turn this activity into a science lesson by explaining how borax acts as a cross-linking agent to transform glue into slime.
If you are making slime as a STEAM activity, discuss what a solution is with your child. A solution is when you mix together two or more ingredients, that once combined cannot be separated.
Making a regular slime solution requires very few materials for a whole lot of fun.
Troubleshooting and Variations
- Too Sticky. Add a few more drops of borax solution.
- Too Firm. Knead in a bit more glue to soften the texture.
- Glitter-Free Option. Skip the glitter for a smoother, simpler slime.
- Different Textures. Try using shaving cream for a fluffier texture or instant snow for a cloud-like feel.
Fun Play for All Ages
This basic cloud slime recipe is more than just a craft—it’s a fun way to bring the family together, explore new skills, and make lasting memories.
It’s perfect for a rainy day, a homestead classroom activity, or even as a unique homemade gift. By using simple, accessible ingredients and emphasizing resourcefulness, you can enjoy the creative spirit of homesteading in an unexpected way.
Get your supplies, gather the kids, and dive into the fluffy, stretchy world of cloud slime.
Is This Slime Safe?
Yes, under adult supervision. This slime recipe is generally safe when made under proper supervision and with care.
Since it includes borax, adult supervision is essential, especially when kids are involved.
- Borax is safe in small amounts but should not be ingested or come into prolonged contact with the skin.
- Ensure kids wash their hands after playing with the slime and avoid touching their face or eyes.
- If you’re concerned about borax, you can explore borax-free alternatives for slime-making.
Does This Make a Fluffy Slime?
This basic cloud slime recipe doesn’t create the traditional fluffy slime that includes shaving cream for extra volume and softness. However, it can still have a soft and stretchy texture. If you want to make fluffy slime, consider adding shaving cream to the glue mixture before incorporating the borax solution. The shaving cream gives the slime a puffier, airier feel.
Does the Slime Change Based on the Glue Used?
Yes, the type of glue you use can affect the slime’s texture and appearance.
- White Glue. Creates a more opaque, dense, and stretchy slime.
- Clear Glue. Produces a more transparent and glossy slime, perfect for adding glitter or achieving a crystal-clear effect.
Storing Cloud Slime
Store in a sealable, airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place to prevent it from drying out or becoming too sticky.
If the slime starts to lose its texture, you can refresh by adding a small amount of borax solution and knead it in.
Fluffy Cloud Slime as a Teaching Tool in Homeschooling and Homesteading
Slime-making isn’t just about how much fun you can have. It’s a great hands-on way to introduce children to important concepts in science, math, and creativity. Making it an ideal homeschooling activity.
When measuring ingredients like glue and borax, kids practice basic math skills such as fractions and volume. As they mix the components, they’re observing chemistry in action, specifically how polymers and cross-linking agents interact to create slime’s unique texture.
Discussing concepts like solutions, reactions, and polymers can turn a simple craft into an engaging science lesson.
For homesteading families, slime-making reinforces the value of creating from scratch. Just like growing vegetables or baking bread, making slime teaches kids to rely on their own skills and resources rather than purchasing pre-made products.
This connection to self-sufficiency aligns perfectly with the homesteading mindset, encouraging children to see everyday activities through a lens of curiosity and creativity.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover craft supplies like glitter and food coloring. Reducing waste and demonstrating sustainable practices. Whether you’re in the kitchen or at the crafting table, this activity is a fun and educational way to bring the principles of homesteading and sustainability into homeschooling.
A fun indoor activity for when the kids are bored.