Kinetic sand is one of those magical things that’s just as fascinating for adults as it is for kids. It’s soft, mouldable and soothing to touch, making it a brilliant activity for sensory play, craft projects or simply a bit of stress relief.
The question is, can you make it yourself at home and it be as great as store bought? Almost! This recipe comes courtesy of the talented Artsy-Fartsy Mama blog, which is well worth a visit for more crafty inspiration. It’s not quite the same texture as bought stuff but its pretty close and certainly wiles away the time.
What you’ll need
• 55g of PVA glue – white or clear both work
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
• 1/8 cup of water
• 3 cups of play sand (about 1Kg)- you can use plain or coloured, just make sure it’s toxin free. We used a mixture of blue, purple and yellow play sand that we bought off Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B1MM4SX4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1) .
• 1 tablespoon of oil – you can use baby oil or fractionated coconut oil. We used fractionated coconut oil.
• 3/4 tablespoon of contact lens solution – we found this online at Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MVKXZRX?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1)
Step-by-step instructions
1. In a large bowl or container, mix the glue with baking soda until all the soda is dissolved.
2. Pour in some sand and stir into the mixture.
3. Add the oil and contact lens solution. As the ingredients combine, they start to react to create a slime like consistency.
4. Gradually add sand until it becomes too difficult to mix together with a spoon.
5. Using your hands, knead the sand, adding more and more sand until it is fully incorporated.
6. Get playing – mould it, shape it, stetch it. Use cookie cutters, small moulds, or toy diggers for hours of creative fun
When you’re done, keep your kinetic sand in an airtight container or resealable bag to stop it drying out. Stored correctly, it should last for months.
Tips and tricks
• If the sand is too sticky, keep adding sand until it is no longer sticky.
• If it’s too thick, add more oil.
Kinetic sand isn’t just fun — it’s also brilliant for developing fine motor skills, encouraging creativity, and providing a calming, hands-on activity for all ages.
Original inspiration and recipe credit: Artsy Fartsy Mama – her website has loads of other crafty options for rain or shine!
