Matt's First Science Experiment: Growing Crystals

This is going to be a several part blog of my oldest son, Matt's, learning experience though this project.

Grow Your Own Crystals

We had to line the bucket that came with the kit with a plastic trash bag, because somehow it got a crack in the side.

We made the clear (quartz) crystal using the large base rock.

This part Mama had to do.. boil the water and measure out the boiling water into another pot.

This is Matt pouring the crystal mix into the measured boiling water. He looked like a little scientist. :)

Then, Matt had to stir the mixture until all of the crystal powder was dissolved.

Then, Mama had to pour the hot mixture over the base rock in the bucket.

Then, Matt covered the bucket, and I closed it up and put it in a dark place where it would be left alone, undisturbed for 24 hours.. And patience is learned!

MORE PICTURES TOMORROW! We'll see how it looks!

Peace!

NEW PICTURES!!! UPDATE!



Crystals forming, day 3 and day 6. The trash bag lining leaked and crystal liquid has dried and growing crystals on outside of box!

So cool!

Make A Tote Bag From A Feed Sack

This is another really cool UpCycling craft that I made.
We buy dog/cat/chicken feed in large nylon feed sacks and I thought that the material was durable enough to be used for something else, so I saved a bunch of them. I have yet to use them all, but now that I have a sewing machine, maybe I can push more of these out! Here is a picture of the first tote I made. I am looking for simpler plans, so if anyone has any ideas, please, inform me!

Yes, it is secured with duct tape AND sewn.. I made this one by hand, the other one, I haven't gotten photos of yet, is made from an Ol' Roy dog food bag, and it doesn't look near as good as this, and I used a sewing machine!

And YES, this is strong enough to tote TWO full gallons of milk!

Peace!

Recycled Toothbrush Bracelets

This is a really neat craft I found online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z059s5F00jM
The only things I really did differently, were to use old toothbrushes (recycling it so it doesn't end up in the trash) vs buying a new one and destroying it, and I bent mine farther to actually look like a bracelet, vs a 'C' shaped toothbrush.

 Simple & Green.

 Made from a Colgate PLUS toothbrush.

This is the one I made for myself, if you've watched the YouTube video, you'll see how I bent mine differently.

Made one for me, Matthew, and Raiden.

These are really neat. I plan on making more, but I have to wait to use the toothbrush first!

Peace!

UpCycled CD Jewelry

I just wanted to show you guys what I did with an old CD that was destined for the trash.

Stained Glass Crackle Set

These earrings are fashionable yet “green” in every sense. They directly impact the environment being made from old CD which does not break down in the landfill.
Each earring is cut keeping the character of the original CD. These are a deep red glitter painted, abstract design, blue, yellow and pink colored, and shellacked, crackle silver back.

Show your love and commitment for sustainability while looking Fabulous in these stylish earrings. These fun green colored earrings can move so as to show both sides of the CD—colored side and mirrored silver side. This makes them even more fun!
Keep them for yourself, and look fabulous and “green” or give as a gift to someone who loves whimsy, nostalgia, or anyone who likes to make a statement about their feelings about being eco-friendly.

Measurements: Pendant is 2 1/2 inches long and 4 inches wide at wides point, chain is silver and 9 inches long. The earrings are both about 2 1/2 inches long each and both about two inches wide at widest point. Earrings are not assymetrical.

Each pair of earring reflect the characteristic of the CD it is made from and may include some scratches, which represents the true character of the CD. So please overlook any imperfections as we work to keep the world green.

All edges have been carefully sanded and smoothed for your comfort.

This is just one design. I have more in the making.  If you would like a set, they are $10.00 for the necklace & earring set, or $5 for the necklace alone, and $5 for the earrings alone. PayPal accepted, as well as money order. No checks, please.


Contact earth_child_89@yahoo.com if interested.


I will post more photos of others as I get them made.