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DIY Glowing Bubble Lamp

This DIY glowing bubble lamp blends science and magic using household materials. With glowing beads, oil, and fizzy tablets, it creates a reusable sensory light show in a jar — part lava lamp, part glow stick!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 lamp
Course: Craft
Cuisine: Sensory Science
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 clear jar or bottle (tall)
  • 3/4 jar water
  • 1/4 jar baby oil or cooking oil
  • glow-in-the-dark beads or glow paint
  • food coloring (optional)
  • 1 Alka-Seltzer tablet (or similar)
  • LED puck light or glow base (optional)

Equipment

  • clear jar or bottle
  • Measuring cups
  • spoon or stick for stirring
  • LED puck light or blacklight (optional)

Method
 

  1. Start with a clean, clear jar or bottle and fill it ¾ of the way with water.
  2. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired. Stir gently.
  3. Slowly pour in oil until the jar is nearly full. Let it settle on top.
  4. Drop in glow beads or swirl glow paint along the inside walls of the jar.
  5. Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet and drop in half. Bubbles and glowing swirls will begin to rise!
  6. Place the jar on an LED puck light or glow base. Dim the room and enjoy the effect!
  7. Once the fizz fades, add a new tablet anytime to reuse and repeat the glow effect.

Notes

✨ Add a splash of dish soap for longer bubbles.
🌌 Use fine glitter for a galaxy effect.
🧊 Chill water for slower, more soothing motion.
💡 Glow paint shines brightest under UV light or LED bases.
Recharge beads in sunlight or a lamp between uses. Reseal tightly when storing.

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