Crafts

Bubble Potions

This week in the craft lab I’ve been experimenting with bubble solutions, particularly the touchable/catchable kind.  There’s a recipe floating online somewhere and I tried it out.  I didn’t think the solution was up to par with the store bought kind so I did some of my own bubble potion hacks.  (Kids, be sure a grownup is around to help you out while preparing these potions.)

Potion No. 1

Potion No.1

  • 1 part Glycerin
  • 1 part Dish washing liquid
  • 2 parts Corn Syrup
  • 3 parts Premade bubble solution

When mixing, stir slowly to combine all ingredients.  Potion No.1 worked out pretty well.  Bubbles were catchable if my finger was wet with the potion.  Bubbles would also land and stick to things for quite a long time.

Bubble Potion

Though, be sure to play outside because things can get pretty sticky.

Potion No. 1 Ground
These bubbles stuck around for over an hour!

Potion No. 2

  • 2 pkgs Unflavored instant gelatin (Example)
  • ½ cup Hot water
  • ½ cup Premade bubble solution
  • 3T Dish washing liquid

Adding gelatin to this potion seems a bit bizarre but it really does work.  As mentioned in its description, touchable bubbles are polymer.  And since gelatin is a natural polymer it makes sense to add it to this potion.  Use a glass jar and be sure to stir slowly when mixing the ingredients.  This potion is also pretty messy when the bubbles pop and dry.  But they are catchable and stackable!

Potion No. 2 Double

It’s not exactly like the original but it’s pretty close.  The potion will eventually harden.  When it does, just pop into a microwave for ten seconds and stir.

For both potions, it’s best to use the original wand that comes with Touchable Bubbles.  I think because it’s designed to give the bubbles a thicker “coat”. But if you don’t have one, try making a bubble wand with a small hole about the size of a dime.  The red wands seen in the photos are made out of 12 gauge floral wire.

Have fun experimenting and maybe you’ll come up with a better solution.  We’d love to hear about it!