Now that it’s a gearing up to be warmer outside, you’ll want to spend more time outdoors—or at least kick your kids out of the house to run around outside and burn off some energy. So why not make a giant bubble wand and a batch of bubbles to keep kids entertained for hours?
If you’ve ever walked through Central Park when it’s nice outside, you’ve likely seen the guys making giant bubbles. Without fail, the kids nearby go crazy for the bubbles—trying to pop them, catch them, and even cajoling the bubble-maker to allow them to try making some. So why not bring that uninhibited joy and enthusiasm to your backyard by making your own bubble wand? Lowe’s—yes, the home improvement store—shared its how-to to create a heart-shaped bubble wand with a few simple materials. And if hearts aren’t your kids’ favorite shape, have them help you create different ones, real or imagined. The bubble-making possibilities are endless!
Tools & Materials
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Drill and bit set
- Duct tape or electrical tape
- Galvanized 14-gauge wire, 100 feet
- ½-by-48-inch dowel
- Loctite Super Glue
- Water heater pan (optional)
Instructions
- Make bubble solution by mixing ½ cup of water, ½ cup of dishwashing liquid, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. (Multiply these quantities to make the amount of solution you’ll need.) Allow the mixture to sit overnight before using.
- Drill a hole sized to the diameter of your wire (about 1/16 inch) into the end of a dowel. Make the hole as deep as your bit will go.
- Cut a 5-foot piece of 14-gauge wire and straighten it as much as possible. Apply glue to the hole, insert one end of the wire into the hole, and let dry.
- Heart-shaped loop in bubble wand: Form the shape of a heart using gentle curves, and bring the other end of the wire back to the handle. Wrap that end around the wire where it enters the dowel and then around the end of the dowel. Check the end for sharp edges and cover with duct or electrical tape, if necessary.
- Pour the bubble solution into a shallow tray such as a saucer-shape sled or water heater pan. (A 20-inch pan with the drain hole plugged works well but requires a large amount of bubble solution.)
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