How to Make Gumamela Bubbles

Scented bubbles add a new dimension to any party. Gumamela, which is more commonly known as hibiscus, is a popular and delicate scent that will make every guest want to stay on and enjoy your party. Making gumamela bubbles is a popular pastime for children in the Philippines. They simply grind up the leaves and start blowing bubbles; you can either do this or add a few other ingredients to make the gumamela scent even stronger and the bubbles slightly more durable. Make these novelty bubbles just for fun with the kids, or they also make great wedding favors.

Things You'll Need

• Hibiscus flower blooms
• Hibiscus leaves
• Mortar and pestle
• 1/2 cup unscented dishwashing detergent
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• Hollow papaya stalks
• Cup or bowl
• Measuring cups
• Large bowl

Instructions

1. Grind up the hibiscus petals and leaves into a pulp. Use the mortar and pestle. This will become an oily slimy substance, which is exactly what you are looking for.

2. Mix the water and the unscented dish soap in a large bowl. Stir it gently using a bubble blower or a spoon.

3. Add the sugar. Stir gently. Make sure all the sugar dissolves before you continue.

4. Add the hibiscus pulp. You can experiment at this point: add in a couple of drops and then blow a bubble by dipping the end of a papaya stalk in the mixture and blowing a bubble. If the bubble will not hold together, add more hibiscus or more soap.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not want to use all of your gumamela bubbles at once, store the mixture in an airtight container or package it up in little bottles to give as gifts. Traditionally, neither soap nor water is added to the mixture; children start blowing bubbles just with the hibiscus pulp. Adding the soap and water will make for sturdier bubbles, but you can stick more closely to tradition by leaving them out.