Hey, glow-getter! 🌟 Looking for a super fun, slightly science-y, and wildly cool activity that literally lights up your day (or night)? Then you’ve got to try this Swirl Glowing Bounce Ball DIY!
Not only does it bounce like magic, but it also glows in the dark and has colorful swirls that make each ball totally unique. It’s perfect for sleepovers, glow parties, science experiments, or just a hands-on activity that mixes art with a pinch of chemistry.
I first made these with my niece on a rainy afternoon and she couldn’t stop bouncing them around the room! We both agreed—anything that glows AND bounces deserves a permanent spot in the “best crafts ever” hall of fame.
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What Is a Swirl Glowing Bounce Ball?
This DIY bounce ball combines borax, glue, and glow-in-the-dark paint or powder to form a bouncy, rubbery ball that charges in the light and glows in the dark. The addition of food coloring swirls turns each one into a little bouncing galaxy you can hold in your hand!
It’s part science experiment, part craft, and 100% awesome.
Why You’ll Love This Craft
Glows and bounces—hello, double fun!
Easy to make with kid-safe, household materials
Teaches STEM skills while sparking creativity
Customizable colors and glow effects
Ready in under 10 minutes
Great for birthday parties, classroom science, or rainy day fun
Ingredients & Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need:
½ cup warm water
1 tablespoon borax powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons white school glue
Glow-in-the-dark paint or powder
Food coloring (optional, for swirls)
2 small disposable cups
Popsicle stick or plastic spoon (for stirring)
Latex gloves (optional for clean hands)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Borax Solution
In Cup #1, pour ½ cup of warm water and stir in 1 tablespoon of borax. Keep stirring until completely dissolved. This is your activator solution.
2. Create Your Ball Base
In Cup #2, combine:
2 tablespoons white glue
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Glow-in-the-dark paint or powder (use as directed—start with about 1 tsp)
Optional: a few drops of food coloring for colorful swirls
Mix gently with your popsicle stick or spoon. Don’t stir too much—swirls look best with a light hand!
3. Activate the Bounce
Slowly pour your glue mixture from Cup #2 into the borax solution in Cup #1. Let it sit for 10–15 seconds—you’ll see it start to solidify. Then gently roll or stir it in the cup to help it absorb more borax and firm up.
4. Shape and Smooth
Once it feels firmer, pull it out of the solution and roll it between your hands into a smooth ball. It might feel sticky at first but will become more rubbery as you shape it.
5. Dry and Charge
Let the ball sit for a minute or two to set. Then place it under a lamp or bright light for a few minutes to “charge” the glow-in-the-dark paint. Turn off the lights and get ready for some after-dark fun!
6. Store and Play
When not bouncing around the room, store your glowing ball in a zip-top bag to keep it soft and stretchy.
Tips & Variations
🌟 Charge longer = brighter glow! Let it soak in sunlight or under a strong bulb for a super-charged night effect.
🌈 Try swirl combos like pink + purple, or green + blue for a cosmic look.
✨ Add glitter to the glue mix for a sparkling glow ball.
🎨 Layer multiple batches to create striped or marbled bounce balls.
🔍 Make it a mini science lesson: Talk about polymers, chemical reactions, and how phosphorescence works!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I reuse the borax solution for more balls?
Yes! As long as the water is clean and still saturated with borax, you can make a few balls from one batch.
How long does the glow last?
It depends on the glow material, but typically 10–30 minutes per charge. Just re-charge it under light!
Are these safe for kids?
Yes—with adult supervision. Borax is safe for crafting but should never be ingested or handled excessively without washing hands after.
Why is my ball too sticky or not bouncing well?
Try adding a bit more cornstarch or let it sit in the borax solution a little longer before shaping.
Conclusion
Your Swirl Glowing Bounce Ball is more than just a craft—it’s a science party in your hand! From squishy to solid, from invisible to glowing, it’s such a satisfying transformation—and the best part? You get to play with the result.
Whether you’re crafting with kids, hosting a science-themed birthday, or just love a little glow-in-the-dark magic, this project promises fun, learning, and lots of bouncing giggles. ✨🟢💫
More Glowing, Bouncy, Awesome Crafts
Colorful Bouncy Balls
DIY Slime with Glow Beads
Galaxy Jars
Magic Milk Explosions
Puffy Glow Paint Art
Let’s Glow Crazy!
Tried this DIY? I glowingly encourage you to share your bounce ball creations! Tag your pics with #GlowBounceDIY on Pinterest or social media so we can all see your cosmic swirls and luminous leaps!
Approximate Cost Per Ball
$2–$4 depending on materials and glow paint used.
Thanks for bouncing in today. Until next time—keep glowing, keep experimenting, and never stop making magic with your hands. 💡💖🌙
Want a printable instruction card or party version of this craft? Just let me know!
Swirl Glowing Bounce Ball
Ingredients
Method
- In Cup #1, pour ½ cup of warm water and stir in 1 tablespoon of borax. Keep stirring until completely dissolved. This is your activator solution.
- In Cup #2, combine 2 tablespoons of white glue, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and glow-in-the-dark paint or powder. (Use about 1 tsp to start).
- Optional: Add a few drops of food coloring for colorful swirls.
- Mix gently with your popsicle stick or spoon. Don't stir too much—swirls look best with a light hand!
- Slowly pour your glue mixture from Cup #2 into the borax solution in Cup #1. Let it sit for 10–15 seconds—you'll see it start to solidify.
- Gently roll or stir it in the cup to help it absorb more borax and firm up.
- Once it feels firmer, pull it out of the solution and roll it between your hands into a smooth ball. It might feel sticky at first but will become more rubbery as you shape it.
- Let the ball sit for a minute or two to set.
- Then place it under a lamp or bright light for a few minutes to 'charge' the glow-in-the-dark paint.
- Turn off the lights and get ready for some after-dark fun!
- When not bouncing around the room, store your glowing ball in a zip-top bag to keep it soft and stretchy.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Swirl Glowing Bounce Ball
Ingredients
Method
- In Cup #1, pour ½ cup of warm water and stir in 1 tablespoon of borax. Keep stirring until completely dissolved. This is your activator solution.
- In Cup #2, combine 2 tablespoons of white glue, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and the glow-in-the-dark paint. Optionally, add a few drops of food coloring. Mix gently with your popsicle stick or spoon.
- Slowly pour your glue mixture from Cup #2 into the borax solution in Cup #1. Let it sit for 10–15 seconds before gently rolling or stirring it to help it absorb more borax.
- Once it feels firmer, pull it out of the solution and roll it between your hands into a smooth ball.
- Let the ball sit for a minute or two to set. Then place it under a lamp or bright light for a few minutes to charge the glow-in-the-dark paint.
- Turn off the lights and get ready for some after-dark fun!
- When not bouncing around the room, store your glowing ball in a zip-top bag to keep it soft and stretchy.
