When the weather is fine bubbles are fantastic. The science is amazing but to be honest they are just such good fun and even the adults join in
There are lots of commercial bubble makers in the shops.
How abut this machine that makes hundreds of small bubbles
or you can buy mixture and giant wands
but it is actually easy to make your own giant bubbles mixture and homemade wands and probably more fun too
Making bubble mixture is a bot of a dark art and you will find plenty of recipes of the internet especially Pinterest.
Many American sites talk about a washing up liquid called Dawn. It is just a clear standard liquid and any of our brands in the UK will work well. To be honest I have not found any difference between cheaper and more expensive brands apart from if using a concentrated liquid use less of it
Having run week long bubble workshops at Catalyst I have picked up a few tips:
- don't be tempted to make the mix too strong
- don't swish it around too much FOAM doesn't make bubbles
- leave it to stand after making - overnight if possible
- glycerine or light corn syrup like Karo give stable bubbles
- a humid day is best or you can spray the air with water
A good ratio for your mix is 1 part washing up liquid: 5 or 6 parts water: 1/4 part glycerine
Home made giant wands are very simple and don't need much equipment.
Try this string and plastic straw version - give it a good soak in the mixture before using it
For bubbles you can stand inside use a hoop in a paddling pool
Everyone knows that bubbles are spheres....but have you see those frames that let you make a square or triangular bubble? OK you can't blow a square bubble - the laws of physics come into force. But it is quite interesting to see
For long tube bubbles you need a round frame which you can make yourself from wire or use an old frying pan splatter guard frame
Most of these techniques need a bit of work but bubbles snakes can be done by even the very youngest. Just remember to blow not suck
Follow the picture tutorial below using an old cotton or towelling sock or a flannel.
this is what you get
This idea comes from Persil - some people who have scientists who study foam and bubbles so they probably know a thing or two
Someone else who knows all about bubbles especially giant ones is the science presenter Ian Russell. He often attends fetes and festivals where he creates these huge bubbles. You can find his website here:
Enjoy the sunshine and your bubbles
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