Yesterday, I spent a lovely morning with a classroom of 4-5 year olds. I admit that does sound like a recipe for a headache, but it really wasn’t. They were so calm and peaceful. By the time I left at lunchtime, I felt less stressed than I had started the day. We were making bath bombs. My second Christmas crafting session with school.
A couple of years ago, I posted instructions on how to make bath bombs with children here, but as time has passed, I have made a few alterations to the way I do it. Time for a little update, I think.
The main change is to use silicon moulds instead of the paper cases and plastic cups. I now use an ice cube silicon tray which I cut up into individual moulds. I’ve found that if the mixture is the right consistency and packed tightly enough in the mould, then they can be gently pushed out of the mould within seconds. Then left to dry on top of the bag.
The red heart shape moulds have been the most popular. The resulting bath bomb looks so smooth and pretty. Some were speckled with lavender flowers. I wish I had taken photos today, as the rows of heart shaped bath bombs looked just perfect.
I’m looking forward to this weekend, as I’ll be making bath bombs with my own children. I keep it simple at school, but we can be that little bit more creative at home. Can’t wait!
Bath bombs make great handmade presents. Especially at Christmas. If you have ever thought of making bath bombs take a look at step-by-step guide (It is my most popular post ever). They are so easy to make (my children started making them at 3 years old) and a lot cheaper than buying them ready made.
wow! what a fun project for the little ones!!
They love this activity! Every time I run this activity, each and every child concentrates and does their best. No fooling around. I think because it is so different from the other crafts that they do. Or maybe I put the fear of God into them. Don’t mean to!
These sound and look great. I’m thinking about making them with my class of 30, for Christmas. Hopefully they will work. Thank you.
I hope you and your students enjoy making them. I’ve introduced this activity to so many children and every time it has been a success. I’m sure your class will have fun.
Hi, I love your bombs and your site, I am new to making bath bombs, I have followed a recipe from Brambleberry exact, and they just keep falling apart, I have used witch ha el and they still fall apart. I put Kaolen clay in it, and they still fell apart, I really want to learn how to do this. Could you give me any advise on what i might be doing wrong..Yours look so good, I have the metal round -two part molds, I also have the exact same heart silicone mold as you are using.they fell apart, so disappointed, I waited 5 hrs before unmolding and still fell apart. Any tips you can give me I would really appreciate. I am in Toronto, Ontario. the weather was cooler today, I don’t think that was a matter, I just don’t know…Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Joyce Blake
Hi Joyce. I hope I can help, as making bath bombs is one of my favourite activities. I can only talk about the recipe I use, as that is my experience. If the bath bombs were falling apart, I would first check if you have used enough water. The mixture should keep its shape when squashed together. Try using a spoon as a mould and tip it out onto the rest of the mixture. If it keeps the shape of the spoon, then you have enough water. If it crumbles, add more water and repeat test. Like a sandcastle.
Second, I would check that the mixture is being compressed enough into the mould. Too many air gaps will make it a more fragile structure. Push as much mixture into the mould as possible.
You shouldn’t need anything else other than the citric acid, bicarbonate of soda and water to make a bath bomb. The other ingredients are added to create a more interesting bath bomb. The ratio of the citric and bicarb effects the fizzing, not the structure.
I wish you luck with your bath bombs.
I’ve just stumbled across your website because I am going to organise a crafty party for my daughter’s 9th birthday and I was googling bath bombs. Thank you for your brilliant instructions and tips. I need one or two more activities and wondered what you might recommend and whether you have any instructions?! I was thinking of lip balm and slime… x
I’ve run this activity as a birthday party a couple of times for my daughters. I coupled it with rainbow bath salts, lavender shower scrubs and lip balm. I also made fabric bags which the children decorated with fabric pens, if they finished before the others. Doubled up as their gift bag. The first time I ran it, I underestimated how long it would take. Some girls wanted to spend lots of time creating beautiful labels. Depends on the children, but I’ve always had enough to keep even the speediest child entertained. My advice is to allow lots of time, with other open ended activities such as decoration making. You’ve reminded me I have instructions in my draft folder. Must post them up.
We’re still looking for the perfect slime recipe……