What is it about giant bubbles that makes everyone squeal with glee? And I’m not just talking about the kids! Bubbles are seriously the ultimate cheap kids summer activity idea! Well, if that sounds fun to you, then you’ll want to try this. The Do-It-Yourself giant bubble wand!
(Please ignore the dead grass in the background…ugh…)
Supplies:
- 2 wooden dowels per student
- 2 hook and eye screws per student
- cotton string
- scissors
- duct tape optional
Directions:
1. Screw 1 hook and eye screw into the end of each dowel.
2. Using string, tie ends to each hook and eye screw at top of dowel, let remaining string hang down in a half circle shape and tie at bottom.
3. I cut my dowels in half to shorten them. To keep kids from getting splinters, I wrapped some pink duct tape on the ends. Plus they look pretty :o) Also, I suggest using smooth cotton string, mine was at the end of the spool, so it kept twisting up.
4. Dip string in bubbles making sure to soak well. Carefully lift out of bubbles and slowly pull sticks apart until string is taught. Gently pull through air to create huge bubbles!
Love the look on my son’s face in this one:
If there’s no breeze, you can also blow gently to help them get started! We had to move to the side of our house because there was too much wind and our bubbles were popping right out of the shoot!
Let the kids have a turn Dad!
No bubbles? Make your own!
- 1/2 gallon water
- 1/3 cup dawn dishwashing liquid
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup or sugar
No wooden dowels? Here’s a quick tutorial using straws and string. Hope you enjoyed this tutorial, let me know if you try it out. The kids will have so much fun!
HI I love the bubble makers! Thanks!! I linked this to my blog at http://hisdesign4me.blogspot.com/2011/07/bubbling-bubbling-bubbling-in-my-soul.html
We used ZOME (http://www.zometool.com/) last year, and probably will again this as we have it and you can create different shapes with it (even square bubbles!!) ~ thanks for the recipe & the idea though 🙂
Hello, again! I just had to mention you, your blog and these bubbles again in my blog…so, I linked to your site from my blog post. Title: All things work…or do they? 😉
Oh, and by the way…they DO WORK!! 😉 Thanks so much! I love your ideas! Love 'em!!
Oh, and by the way…they DO WORK!! 😉 Thanks so much! I love your ideas! Love 'em!!
If you place something heavy, like a washer or hex nut, at the bottom the string doesn't get tangled. Great Blog
First, I find your comment about the grass very funny. I wouldn’t have noticed if you said anything, but if it was my yard, I would have…it is so funny the things we worry about! I have all sorts of patches too between dog, winter and ant hills!
Love your craft..perfect for my event. Thank you so much!
This activity looks awesome! I can’t wait to try it with my boys. I am writing a post about DIY bubble wand and solution tomorrow and will share this activity as well! Thanks so much!
Erica,
Thanks for sharing this idea and spreading joy. My 17 year-old autistic son loved the bubbles. Check him out at http://vimeo.com/98776846. Also see
http://vimeo.com/user14780121/videos/all for more interesting videos.
Loran
PS: I was originally taken aback by your “confessions” title. It sounded like an apology. You are doing the most important work on the planet. My children were home-schooled as well.
I love making bubbles, GIANT bubbles and sharing them. I also do events and teach kids how to make giant bubbles. I bring many gallons of mix and lots of poles and wands. I also make Bubble Rainbows, Bubble Clouds, Bubble Blizzards, Bubble Rainbows, Bubble Dragons, Bubble Whales, and on and on.
I hope you visit and “Like” my Facebook page and maybe even “Subscribe” at the “Events”link for where I will be next, usually free events… http://www.facebook.com/GrandpopBubbles
Bubbly regards!