| It’s sticky. It’s fluffy. It’s stretchable, colorful, ooey-gooey and its been one of the most popular craft activities for kids for more than two years. What can it be? It’s slime. Slime burst onto the scene as an overnight sensation in crafting when Instagram and You Tube showcased videos on how to make all varieties. Some influencers on these sites have millions of followers who are eager to see the latest recipes and create their own batch of the stretchy stuff. Our home has an avid slime creator who has made her own collection, which consists of: fluffy, cloud, jelly-cube, fish bowl, milky, clear, pearl, fuzzy, butter (no, it isn’t made with real butter), glitter, floam, candy and/or fruit slice slime and many others. You can be as creative as you want, and make all kinds of colors, textures, appearances, and scents. Slime is made with white or clear glue activator (some include liquid starch, contact lens solution mixed with baking soda, borax solution, or Tide), and food coloring, along with specific ingredients to make the individual variations. For example, shaving cream will be needed to make fluffy slime. Glitter slime requires different colored glitter. Pearl slime require iridescent powder. Cloud slime needs faux snow. We could go on for hours. The slime craze has grown throughout the US and has spread to parts of Europe. So many children are making slime at home that glue shortages started impacting parts of the country last year. Most simply enjoy the relaxation that comes from making and playing with the stuff. There are a few, though, who have taken their passion for slime and turned it into a successful business. We are not talking about the rare few influencers on social media. We are talking about people selling their products on Etsy and other shopping platforms. Online companies now offer monthly subscriptions – boxed deliveries of everything you need to make a batch of slime in the latest theme. Remember, slime does get stuck…to carpet, furniture, clothes, even your beloved dog’s fur. So be careful while making slime and playing with it. It can provide lots of fun, but should be played with where it can be easily cleaned. Slime can last for quite a while, but should be stored in air-tight containers such as, plastic storage containers and mason jars. We keep all of our supplies in one space – easy access and easy clean-up with measuring cups and bowls set aside just for slime. So, if you or your child(ren) like having your hands in ooey-gooey, stretchy stuff, slime may be the perfect craft for you. Have fun! |
Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a boutique consulting firm specializing in assisting small businesses and nonprofit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience as a writer, as well as in event planning for corporations, nonprofit organizations and private clients. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Caroline Severino is a 6th grade student at Samoset Middle School in the Sachem School District. Caroline is passionate about dance, Girl Scouts and working with children with special needs. She loves crafts, pets, and travelling with her family. |
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