Fir Tree Flubber
We made Flubber using natural ingredients this weekend. Flubber is usually but made using borax. Borax isn’t safe to use around babies and toddlers so, we tried a natural way to make it. Coincidently, it turned out looking like it was made from a fir tree! So Fir Tree Flubber it is!
My seven year old thinks it is a science experiment. We treat our sensory play activities as a way to learn scientific observation and he has been at trying to experiment to see what happens if he tried to sun dry it!
Our toddler, on the other hand, has been enjoying poking things at it. It is quite elastic in texture and feels like a rubber. Firm, yet soft to touch. A little rough with the husk and it really does make you wonder if it is made from leaves. It isn’t. It is made from Psyllium Husk.
Psyllium, also known as Ispaghol is a soluble fibre that aids in digestion. You can find it at most Asian stores and at drug stores too. It is perfectly safe if consumed and has no side effects. When dissolved in water, it forms a gel like mixture. If heated, it becomes jelly like. You can use this jelly as a transparent looking slime too or you can add colour to it. I wanted something more firm for my children. Something that my son can knead at or pull and tear.
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The past few weeks, my son has been very fidgety. Usually, when he looks very anxious, I prefer to let him do things with his hands like play Lego or build Mechanix or tighten screws but our youngest is now 1 years old and she has been very keen on putting things in her mouth. For this reason, I have had to take away all the toys with tiny pieces. Yes, it is sad and yes, it makes him mad at his sisters but I have promised to make him fun stuff.
This flubber that we have made helps him work his hands. This is a good tactile sensory activity too. He just pushes it together and pulls it apart. It isn’t too sticky and it leaves no colour. You can easily wash it off clothes and rugs with water and a sponge.
I love that my two year old can play with her big brother on this. They are working on the ‘experimenting’ together! 🙂
Flubber With Non Toxic Natural Ingredients!
To make this flubber, you need:
Psyllium husks- 4tbs
Green food colour- 1/2tsp
Corn flour or corn starch- 1tbs
Slightly warm water
Mix the pysillium husk and corn starch together. Add the colour to slightly warn water. The water should just a little warm but not hot. Cool it down if you find it hot because the corn starch may form clumps when you are mixing. Add some of the coloured water very slowly while mixing with a spoon. Keep adding water till you have a slime like dough. Knead it well with hand. Turning and pushing it down. Let it rest for sometime and you are all set to play.
You can store it in a zipper bag in the fridge. It is good for up to two weeks.
My children have been really enjoying it since it doesn’t stick to the hand and behaves in a very rubber ball like manner. They have been cutting and placing it all around. It doesn’t bounce but drops heavily with a ‘plop’ sound. I am not complaining because it isn’t messy. I am enjoying watching them play.
If you have any questions, do ask in the comments. I hope your children can enjoy playing with it too..
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Psyllium husk is an excellent material for this! Love the way the texture looks 🙂
I love this idea! The color and the texture are sure to be a big hit with kids!
Never thought Isagbol could be used so creatively. Loved the idea. Happy New year dear 🙂