June's Joyful Kitchen

June's Joyful Kitchen Welcome to June's Joyful Kitchen ! Preserving the soul and warmth of recipes from our past.

Our mission is to ensure that the taste of comfort is a simple pleasure to recreate and share

04/16/2026

Materials
White school glue
Liquid starch
Food coloring (multiple colors)
Small bowls
Spoon
Wax paper

Instructions

Step 1
Pour white glue into separate bowls for each color.

Step 2
Add different food coloring to each bowl and mix lightly.

Step 3
Slowly add liquid starch to each bowl and stir until thickened.

Step 4
Take small portions of each color and press them together.

Step 5
Gently twist and fold to create a marble effect.

Step 6
Roll the mixture between your hands to form a smooth ball.

Step 7
Let the ball sit for a few minutes to firm up before using.

Tips

Do not overmix to keep the marble pattern.
Add starch slowly to avoid stiffness.
Knead well for better bounce.

04/16/2026

DIY Baking Soda Worry Stones

Materials
1 cup baking soda
2–3 tablespoons water
Food coloring (optional)
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Silicone mold or hands
Wax paper

Instructions

Step 1
Place baking soda in a bowl.

Step 2
Slowly add water and mix until a thick, moldable paste forms.

Step 3
Divide the mixture if adding different colors.

Step 4
Mix in food coloring gently if desired.

Step 5
Shape into small smooth stones using your hands or press into molds.

Step 6
Place on wax paper and smooth the surface.

Step 7
Let dry completely for 24 hours until hardened.

Tips

Do not add too much water to avoid cracking.
Smooth with damp fingers for a polished finish.
Let fully dry before handling.

Colorful Crystal Growing Pipe Cleaner TreeMaterialsWhite pipe cleanersBorax powderVery hot waterFood coloring (multiple ...
04/08/2026

Colorful Crystal Growing Pipe Cleaner Tree

Materials
White pipe cleaners
Borax powder
Very hot water
Food coloring (multiple colors)
Scissors
Heat-safe bowl or cup
Shallow plate
Spoon

Instructions

Step 1
Twist pipe cleaners into a tree shape with small branches and a sturdy base.

Step 2
Stand the tree upright on a shallow plate.

Step 3
In a bowl, mix 1 cup very hot water with 3 tablespoons borax until fully dissolved.

Step 4
Divide the solution into small portions and add different food colors.

Step 5
Slowly pour small amounts of each color around the base of the tree.

Step 6
Allow the solution to wick up through the pipe cleaner as crystals begin forming.

Step 7
Leave undisturbed for several hours or overnight until fully crystallized and dry.

Tips

Add colors in sections for a rainbow effect.
Do not fully submerge the tree for best growth.
Keep in a warm place and avoid movement during crystal formation.

Colorful Baking Soda Worry StonesMaterialsBaking sodaCornstarchWaterFood coloring (multiple colors)Mixing bowlSpoonSilic...
04/08/2026

Colorful Baking Soda Worry Stones

Materials
Baking soda
Cornstarch
Water
Food coloring (multiple colors)
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Silicone molds or hands for shaping

Instructions

Step 1
In a bowl, mix 1 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup cornstarch.

Step 2
Slowly add small amounts of water while stirring until the mixture feels like damp sand.

Step 3
Divide the mixture into separate portions and add different food colors.

Step 4
Lightly mix each portion to create soft swirls of color.

Step 5
Press the mixture into silicone molds or shape into smooth stones with your hands.

Step 6
Gently smooth the surface for a polished look.

Step 7
Let the stones dry for 12–24 hours until firm.

Tips

Do not add too much water to avoid cracking.
Use light mixing to keep a marbled effect.
Let fully dry before handling for best strength.

03/04/2026

Baking Soda and Vinegar Sugar Fireworks

Materials

Baking soda
White vinegar
Granulated sugar
Food coloring (various colors)
Small bowls
Spoon
Baking tray or shallow dish
Dropper or small cup

Instructions

Step 1
Place a few spoonfuls of baking soda into small bowls. Add a small amount of sugar to each bowl and mix well.

Step 2
Add a few drops of different food coloring to each bowl and stir until the color is evenly mixed into the baking soda mixture.

Step 3
Spread small piles of the colored baking soda mixture onto a baking tray or shallow dish.

Step 4
Fill a dropper or small cup with white vinegar.

Step 5
Slowly drip vinegar onto the colored piles and watch the fizzy reaction create a firework effect.

Step 6
Continue adding vinegar to different colors to create multiple “fireworks” on the tray.

02/28/2026

Materials

1 pipe cleaner

Shallow glass plate or dish

Baking soda

White vinegar

Warm water

Food coloring (red, yellow, green, blue, purple)

Spoon

Small bowl

Paper towels

Instructions
1. Shape the Tree

Bend the pipe cleaner into a simple tree shape.
Twist the bottom slightly so it can stand upright in the plate.

2. Make the Baking Soda Base

In a small bowl mix:

1 cup baking soda

½ cup warm water

Stir until it forms a thick paste.

3. Build the Crystal Base

Spoon the baking soda paste into the center of the plate.
Press the pipe cleaner tree gently into the paste so it stands upright.
Let the paste dry for 30–60 minutes until firm.

4. Add the Rainbow Colors

Drop different food coloring drops around the baking soda base:
red, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
Do not mix completely to keep a rainbow swirl effect.

5. Activate Crystal Growth

Slowly pour white vinegar over the baking soda mound.
The mixture will bubble and fizz.
This reaction creates the sparkling crystal texture on the tree.

6. Let It Dry

Leave the plate in a warm, undisturbed place.
Allow it to dry for 12–24 hours.
As it dries, colorful crystal patterns form on the pipe cleaner tree.

Tips for Best Results

Thicker baking soda paste creates bigger crystals.

Use multiple colors for a bright rainbow crystal effect.

Do not move the plate while drying.

Let it dry fully before touching.

02/28/2026

Ingredients

White school glue (PVA glue)

Borax powder (laundry aisle)

Warm water

Food coloring (cool tones like blue, teal, lavender, or mint)

Fine glitter (optional)

Tools

2 small bowls

Measuring spoons

Spoon or craft stick

Paper towels

Gloves (optional)

Step 1: Make the Borax Solution

In a bowl mix:

½ cup warm water

1 tablespoon Borax

Stir well until the Borax dissolves completely.
Set the solution aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Glue Mixture

In another bowl mix:

2 tablespoons white glue

1 tablespoon warm water

Stir until smooth.

Add:

2–3 drops of cool-tone food coloring (blue, teal, lavender, etc.)

Optional: add a pinch of glitter for sparkle.

Swirl lightly to create a marbled effect.

Step 3: Activate the Reaction

Slowly pour 1 tablespoon of the Borax solution into the glue mixture.

Do not stir immediately.

Wait 10 seconds, then gently stir.

The mixture will begin to thicken and form a soft lump.

Step 4: Shape the Ball

Remove the mixture from the bowl.

Roll it between your palms for 1–2 minutes until it becomes smooth and round.

If it feels sticky, lightly dip your fingers into the Borax solution.

Step 5: Let It Set

Place the balls on paper towels.

Let them rest:

10 minutes for softer bounce

30 minutes for firmer bounce

They will continue strengthening as they sit.

Step 6: Test and Store

Bounce the ball on a hard surface to test it.

Store in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.

Tips for Cool-Color Designs

Mix teal + white for ocean swirl balls

Combine lavender + blue for galaxy effects

Add silver glitter for a frosty look

Don’t overmix colors to keep the marble pattern

02/27/2026

Ingredients
Base

White school glue (PVA)
Borax powder
Warm water

Optional Add-Ins

Food coloring or acrylic paint
Fine glitter
Glow powder

Tools

2 small bowls
Measuring spoons
Spoon or craft stick
Paper towels
Gloves (optional)

Instructions
Step 1: Make the Borax Solution

In a bowl, combine:
½ cup warm water
1 tablespoon Borax

Stir until the Borax is fully dissolved. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Glue Mixture

In a second bowl, mix:
2 tablespoons white glue
1 tablespoon warm water

Stir until smooth.

Add a few drops of food coloring.
Mix in glitter or glow powder if desired.
For a marbled effect, gently swirl without fully blending.

Step 3: Activate the Reaction

Slowly add 1 tablespoon of the Borax solution into the glue mixture.
Let it sit for about 10 seconds.
Gently stir until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the bowl.

Step 4: Shape the Ball

Remove the mixture and roll it between your palms.
Continue rolling for 1–2 minutes until smooth and round.
If sticky, lightly dip fingers into Borax solution and keep rolling.

Step 5: Let It Set

Place the ball on paper towels.

10 minutes for a softer bounce
30 minutes for a firmer bounce

The ball will continue to strengthen over time.

Step 6: Test and Store

Bounce on a hard surface.
Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

02/27/2026

You’ll Need

Granulated sugar
Food coloring (multiple colors)
Hot water
A pinch of baking soda
Plate
Dropper

Instructions

Arrange six small piles of granulated sugar on a plate, leaving space between each mound.

Add a few drops of a different food color to the top of each pile.

In a separate container, mix hot water with a few spoonfuls of sugar and a small pinch of baking soda. Stir until mostly dissolved.

Using a dropper, slowly release the hot liquid into the center of the plate so it spreads outward toward the sugar piles.

Watch as the colored liquid climbs up each mound, forming tall, textured crystal shapes.

How It Works

Capillary action pulls the liquid through tiny gaps between the sugar grains. As the warm solution travels upward, it carries the dye with it. When the liquid cools and evaporates, the sugar recrystallizes, forming colorful towers.

02/26/2026

Materials

1 clear glass jar

1 pencil or pen

String or twine

Brown pipe cleaners

2–3 cups very hot water (not boiling)

Borax powder

Food coloring (any color you like)

Spoon

Small bowl

Step 1: Build the Tree

Twist the brown pipe cleaners into a tree shape with branches.
Tie a piece of string to the top of the tree.
Tie the other end to a pencil.
Place the pencil across the jar so the tree hangs in the center without touching the sides or bottom.

Step 2: Prepare the Crystal Solution

Pour about 2 cups of hot water into a bowl.
Slowly add Borax, one tablespoon at a time, while stirring.
Keep stirring until no more Borax dissolves.
Add a few drops of food coloring and mix well.

Tip: If some Borax stays at the bottom, the solution is fully saturated.

Step 3: Fill the Jar

Carefully pour the hot solution into the jar.
Lower the tree into the liquid.
Adjust the string so the tree stays centered and fully covered.

Step 4: Grow the Crystals

Place the jar in a quiet place where it will not be disturbed.
Do not move or shake it.
Leave it for 12–24 hours.
For larger crystals, let it sit for up to 3 days.

Crystals will slowly form on the branches and trunk.

Step 5: Remove and Dry

Gently lift the tree out of the jar.
Place it on paper towels.
Allow it to dry completely before handling.

Tips

Use very hot water for best crystal growth

Make sure the solution is fully saturated

Keep the tree from touching the jar

Experiment with different colors

02/26/2026

Materials

Shallow plate or bowl (ceramic or plastic)

1 cup baking soda

½ cup warm water

White vinegar

Food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, or mixed colors)

Fake grass mat or craft moss (optional, for garden look)

Clear school glue (optional, for shine)

Measuring cup

Spoon

Small bowl

Paper towels

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crystal Base

Place the shallow plate on a flat, stable surface.

If using fake grass or moss, line the outer edge of the plate to create a garden border.

In a bowl, mix:

1 cup baking soda

½ cup warm water

Stir until it forms a thick, wet paste (similar to wet sand).

Step 2: Shape the Garden Center

Spoon the baking soda paste into the middle of the plate.

Shape it into:

A small mound
or

A flat circular “garden bed”

Press gently so it sticks firmly to the plate.

Allow it to dry for 30–60 minutes until slightly firm.

Step 3: Add Color

Drop food coloring onto different areas of the semi-dry paste.

Use 2–3 colors for a crystal-garden swirl effect.

Let the color soak in naturally without mixing too much.

Step 4: Activate the Reaction

Slowly pour white vinegar over the colored mound.

Add just enough to soak it — do not flood.

The baking soda and vinegar will react and fizz.

This bubbling creates textured crystal-like formations.

Step 5: Grow and Set the Crystals

Leave the plate in a warm, undisturbed location.

Allow it to dry completely for 12–24 hours.

As moisture evaporates, sparkling crystal textures will appear.

Step 6: Optional Shine Finish

Once fully dry, lightly brush clear school glue over the surface for extra shine and durability.

Let dry again before handling.

Tips for Best Results

Thicker paste creates chunkier crystal texture

More concentrated food coloring gives brighter results

Warm, dry air speeds evaporation

Do not touch while drying

Keep indoors and away from moisture

Address

2409 Anmoore Road
New York, NY
10005

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