How to Make a Hard Gelatin

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Things You'll Need

  • 9 tbsp. water

  • Food coloring

  • Medium saucepan

  • 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin

  • Canister lid with a rim

  • Spoon

  • Cookie cutters

  • Straw

  • Cooling rack

There's no limit to what you can do with these funky creations.

If you are in need of a fun family activity on the cheap or a rainy day project, spend the afternoon making quirky gelatin crafts for less than $5. Be creative with your plastic creations. From jewelry and car charms to Christmas ornaments, the sky's the limit. Use your imagination to fashion a new wardrobe of accessories. Use a straw to poke a hole in your design and string it on your shoelaces. Glue the ornament to the front of a birthday card to make it 3-D. Get creative.

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Step 1

Pour the water into the saucepan and add 5 to 7 drops of food coloring while heating on low.

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Step 2

Add all three gelatin envelopes and stir until the contents are fully dissolved -- approximately 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and let the mixture stand and cool slightly for 2 minutes so as not to melt the plastic lid.

Step 3

Pour the thickened mixture into the lipped lid, e.g., a coffee canister lid, and flatten the air bubbles with a spoon. The layer of gelatin can be anywhere between 1/4 inch and 1 inch thick. Let it stand at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the layer. The bendable plastic lid will allow you to easily turn out the thickened gelatin by pressing your thumbs into the back of the lid. Use cookie cutters to carve out shapes and a straw to poke holes for hanging.

Step 4

Place the pliable shapes on the cooling sheet and allow them to cool and harden overnight.

Warning

Do not attempt to eat this concoction.

Adult supervision advised.

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