This DIY Yarn Ball Ornament Craft turned into Science Fun!

As part of our Advent Calendar Activities, Legoman requested to make DIY Yarn Ball Ornaments that he had seen pictures of in magazines.  I took the challenge and decided to turn it into a small science lesson. Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love turning “crafts” into a science lesson.

Making these DIY Yarn Ball Ornaments are both simple and fun!

Supplies:

• Yarn (any color or thickness)
• Glue (we used white glue)
• Water
• Balloons (I used water balloons for their small size)

Step One: Prepare the Balloons

I don’t know about you, but my boys LOVE blowing up balloons. The water balloon size made it easy for both of them to blow up on their own. They enjoyed blowing them up and slowly letting the air out to hear the vibrations. {insert science lesson}

Then the fun really started. The static electricity started to build up on the balloons. We spent about 30 minutes exploring ways to increase and decrease the static electricity.

Science crafts are SO MUCH FUN!

Step Two: Soak the Yarn in Glue Mixture

We used a plastic container to mix the white glue and water together. We used a whole container of glue and about 1/2 cup of water. The measurements aren’t important. You want to try to make sure the mixture is not too watery.

I cut small strands of yarn for each child, so that they would be easier to manage (they can get tangled).

Dip the yarn, one strand at a time into the glue and wipe off the excess glue.

Step Three: Wrap Balloon with Yarn

Smaller children might need a bit of help with this step. Continue to repeat steps 2 and 3 until you are happy with how covered your balloon is.

Dip the covered balloon into the glue one last time and roll it around. Squeeze out the excess glue. This made for…

Messy, Oozy, Sensory Input

Step Four: Dry Ornaments

We laid our balloons out over night and let them dry. By the morning, they were hardened and ready for some more fun!

Bones had so much fun popping the balloons inside that he decided he wants to make more ornaments this week.

I love when the boys like an activity that they ask for it a second time.

What is your favorite craft that incorporates science? I would love to hear!

Have you checked out our review of 25 Christmas Science Projects for Kids?

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