Craft Time Fun: Create DIY, Colorful Sensory Tubes for All Ages!
Summer is almost here, and you know what that means? Keeping the kids entertained with activities everyone enjoys! My children’s ages range from 6 to 12 and finding something that sparks everyone's interest can be a challenge. Thankfully, I've discovered a lifesaver – sensory tubes!
Sensory tubes are the perfect activity! Easy enough for a preschooler to create with minimal help, and still engaging for preteens. Heck, I even enjoy creating a swirling,calming, glittery galaxy at age 44!
Sensory tubes are a lifesaver for non-crafty moms like me. Simple to put together, they look fantastic and keep the kids entertained.
Here is a list of items you will need to make your own DIY Sensory Tubes:
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1. .Plastic Bottles with lids
2. Hand Soap
3. Water Beads
4. Gems
5. Gorilla Glue
7. Water
The magic begins with the water beads! Before assembling your sensory tubes, follow the easy instructions on the water bead packet to watch them grow. The beads will need to be prepped 4-8 hours before they are enlarged and ready to be used in the sensory tubes. I normally prep them the night before so we are ready to craft without waiting.
Supplies prepped and water beads fully grown? Let's get crafting!
Start by adding 1-2 inches of water to your plastic bottle. This controls the movement! More water means the glitter and treasures rain down quickly, while less water creates a slower, mesmerizing cascade. Choose your adventure.
Next, it's time for the fun part! Let your children add their favorite treasures to the bottle. This is their masterpiece! Let them unleash their creativity and fill the bottle with as much sparkle, colorful gems, and water beads as their heart desires.
Now that the artistic genius has finished their work, let's make it functional! Fill the remaining space in the bottle with hand soap, about half an inch or less from the rim. This prevents air bubbles from forming, which can disrupt the mesmerizing movement inside the tube.
For the final step (best left to an adult), we'll add a little extra security to the lid. Apply a thin layer of gorilla glue around the outside of the bottle, where the top screws on (along the threads). Be careful not to use too much – a little goes a long way! Excess glue can ooze out and cloud the bottle. Once the glue is applied, securely screw on the top and wipe away any excess glue that may have escaped with a damp cloth.
According to the gorilla glue package, it's best to wait at least a few hours (24 hours is ideal) for the glue to fully dry. Patience is a virtue, but trust us, the wait will be worth it! Once the glue is set, your creation is ready to mesmerize and soothe with every shake.
Congratulations! Your sensory calming tube is complete!
Tip: The first time you use your sensory tube, the treasures might settle at the bottom and seem a little sluggish. No worries, a little coaxing is all it takes! Simply flip the tube upside down and back a few times, then gently tap it on your palm. Once the magic gets flowing, it'll be a mesmerizing display with every shake!
These captivating crafts are a blast for everyone, from toddlers to tweens (and even grown-ups!). The best part? They're inexpensive, easy to make, and young kids can even help. Get ready for mesmerizing swirls of glitter and colorful water beads that will keep everyone entertained for hours. Time to ditch the stress and craft some summer magic!
