How to Make Borax Crystals at Home

A simple decorative craft for seasonal styling and mindful making

I have always been fascinated by crystals — their structure, the way they catch the light, and how something so intricate can form naturally over time. A few years ago, I discovered that you can actually make crystals yourself at home, using a surprisingly simple process.

How to Make Borax Crystals at Home

What I love most about this project is that it slows you down. There’s no rushing it. You prepare the solution, suspend your shape, and then wait. Overnight, something quietly beautiful begins to form - turning an everyday material into a decorative object that feels almost magical.

⚠ Important Safety Disclaimer (Please Read)

Borax (sodium borate) is not food-safe, not skin-safe and not pet-safe.

• Borax crystals are decorative only

• Do not ingest, inhale, or use on skin

• Keep away from children and pets at all times

• Always wash hands after handling

• Do not use borax crafts in kitchens, food areas, or at low level

This project is intended for adult, supervised craft use only.If you prefer pet-safe or child-safe alternatives, consider salt or sugar crystal projects instead.

What Are Borax Crystals?

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral salt. When dissolved in very hot water, it forms a saturated solution. As the liquid cools and slowly evaporates, excess borax separates out and forms crystals.

By suspending an object in the solution, crystals grow around it, creating sculptural, decorative forms.

What You’ll Need

• Borax powder

• Very hot water (not boiling)

• Glass jar or heat-resistant container

• Pipe cleaners or cotton string

• Pencil or wooden skewer

• Spoon

Optional:

• Food colouring or liquid watercolour

• Gloves or tongs

Step-by-Step: How to Make Borax Crystals

1. Create your base shape

Bend pipe cleaners into simple shapes such as stars, circles, hearts or snowflakes. Twist the ends together and attach the shape to a pencil so it can hang freely inside the jar.

White or pale pipe cleaners give the cleanest crystal results.

2. Make a saturated borax solution

Pour very hot water into the jar. Add borax one tablespoon at a time, stirring until it no longer dissolves.

Guide ratio: Approximately 3 tablespoons borax per 250 ml water

A small amount of undissolved borax at the bottom indicates a fully saturated solution.

3. Suspend the shape

Lower your pipe cleaner shape into the solution so it does not touch the sides or bottom. Rest the pencil across the top of the jar.

4. Leave crystals to grow

Place the jar somewhere safe and undisturbed. Crystals will begin forming within a few hours, but best results come from leaving it for 12–24 hours.

Avoid moving or shaking the jar during this time.

5. Remove and dry

Lift out the crystal carefully and place it on kitchen paper to dry. Once dry, the structure will be firm but fragile.

How to Colour Borax Crystals

Adding colour turns this simple experiment into a decorative craft.

Suitable colouring options

• Liquid food colouring

• Liquid watercolour paints

Avoid powdered colourants, as these can cloud the solution.

How to add colour

After the borax has fully dissolved in the hot water, add colour before suspending your shape.

• 2–3 drops → very pale, pastel tones

• 4–6 drops → soft, noticeable colour

• 8–10 drops → deeper, jewel-like shades

Stir gently to distribute colour evenly.

Colour ideas for décor

• Soft blue or lavender for calm, wintery styling

• Pale yellow for spring or Easter displays

• Sage green for botanical interiors

• Clear crystals for a minimalist, frosted look

You can also create two-tone crystals by dipping a finished crystal into a second coloured solution and allowing it to dry again.

About two-tone or layered crystals (important note)

Borax crystals can dissolve when placed back into liquid, even after they have dried. For this reason, fully dipping finished crystals into water is not recommended.

If you want a subtle two-tone effect:

• Use coloured pipe cleaners or string beneath clear crystals

• Create gentle colour variation by adding colour gradually during the growth stage

• For advanced experimentation only, briefly dip just the tip of a crystal into a fully saturated, hot borax solution for a few seconds, then remove and dry immediately

For consistent results, colouring the solution from the start is the most reliable approach.

Tips for Better Crystal Results

• Use very hot water to dissolve more borax

• Do not disturb the jar once set

• Leave overnight for larger crystals

• Clean jars produce clearer growth

• Results vary with temperature and humidity

Each batch will be slightly different, which is part of the appeal.

Decorative Uses for Borax Crystals

Once fully dry, borax crystals can be used as:

• Hanging window ornaments

• Seasonal decorations (winter, Easter, festive)

• Decorative bowl or tray fillers

• Shelf or mantel styling

• Handmade gift toppers

Decorative Uses for Borax Crystals

They work particularly well with linen, wood, ceramic and stone.

Final Safety Notes

• Decorative use only

• Not suitable for pets or children

• Do not place at floor level

• Keep away from moisture

• Dispose of leftover solution down the sink with plenty of water

How to Make Borax Crystals Final Thoughts

Making borax crystals at home still feels a little bit magical to me. It’s a reminder that beauty often comes from patience, repetition and letting materials do what they naturally want to do. When handled responsibly, these crystals become quiet, sculptural accents that suit seasonal and slow-living interiors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are borax crystals safe to keep in the home?

Borax crystals are safe to keep as decorative items only, provided they are displayed out of reach of children and pets. They should never be handled frequently, placed at floor level, or used in areas where food is prepared.

2. Can children make borax crystals?

This project is not recommended for unsupervised children. Borax is not child-safe and should only be used by adults or with close adult supervision. For child-friendly alternatives, salt or sugar crystal projects are a safer option.

3. How long do borax crystals last?

Borax crystals can last indefinitely if kept dry and handled gently. Moisture can cause them to soften or break down over time, so they are best used indoors and away from humid environments.

4. Why didn’t my crystals grow properly?

Common reasons include:

• The water wasn’t hot enough

• The solution wasn’t fully saturated

• The jar was disturbed while crystals were forming

• The shape touched the sides or bottom of the jar

Crystal growing is sensitive to temperature and stillness, so results can vary.

5. Are there safer alternatives to borax crystals?

Yes. If you have pets or prefer non-toxic materials, consider:

• Salt crystals

• Sugar crystals

• Epsom salt (for decorative use only)

• Painted or waxed natural botanicals

These options are better suited to pet-friendly or family homes.