How to Make Biodegradable Orbeez Ammo at Home?

Making your own biodegradable Orbeez ammo at home is an enjoyable DIY project that leads to hours of creative outdoor fun. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can produce environmentally friendly ammo for use in water guns, splatter games, and more. Discover how simple it is to whip up a batch of biodegradable Orbeez for summer entertainment the whole family will love.

With summer in full swing, families are looking for fun outdoor activities to do together. Backyard water fights and splatter games are classic warm weather entertainment for kids of all ages. However, the plastic pellets often used as ammo in these games can be harmful to the environment. When released outdoors, plastic ammo ends up as landfill or litter that never biodegrades. A great solution is to make your own biodegradable Orbeez ammo using common household ingredients.

This article will walk through the easy process of making homemade Orbeez step-by-step. You’ll learn the basic supplies needed, how to mix up the Orbeez dough, shape it into ammunition, and allow it to dry properly. With a batch of biodegradable Orbeez ready for battle, your family can enjoy hours of creative, eco-friendly fun in the sun. No special skills are required, so anyone can whip up a container of Orbeez in no time.

Discover how simple it is to make your own Orbeez that are safe for the environment. By following the methods outlined here, you’ll be set for the most refreshing water fight yet using ammunition that won’t harm wildlife or pollute waterways. So let’s get started with the materials you’ll need, then dive into the easy steps for Orbeez success!

Step 1: What Supplies are Needed to Make Biodegradable Orbeez?

The basic ingredients and tools required to make homemade biodegradable Orbeez include:

• Cornstarch – The main ingredient that creates the gummy, bouncy texture when hydrated. Look for plain cornstarch in the baking section of any grocery store.
• Water – Mixes with the cornstarch to achieve the desired gel-like consistency for shaping the Orbeez.
• Food Coloring (optional) – Adds color to the Orbeez mixture for more visual appeal. Any standard liquid food coloring will work.
• Large Pot – For heating and cooking the Orbeez mixture on the stove. A medium size sauce pot with high sides works well.
• Mixing Spoon – Needed to stir the Orbeez mixture smoothly before and while cooking. A sturdy wooden or silicone spoon is ideal.
• Measuring Cups – To accurately measure out the cornstarch and water when mixing the dough. Standard dry and liquid measuring cups are perfect.
• Containers or Molds (optional) – For shaping the Orbeez into rounds or other creative forms. Can also shape by hand.
• Drying Surface – A baking sheet, wax paper, or paper towels to lay the shaped Orbeez on to dry fully.

With these basic ingredients and tools on hand, you’re ready to start mixing and molding your own eco-friendly Orbeez!

Step 2: How to Mix the Cornstarch and Water Orbeez Dough?

Making the Orbeez dough is a simple two-step process:

Step 2.1: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

• Measure out 1 cup of cornstarch and place into a large pot.
• In a separate container, measure out 1 1/2 cups water.
• Slowly pour the water into the pot with the cornstarch.
• Using a mixing spoon, stir continuously until a smooth, lump-free dough forms.

Step 2.2: Cook the Mixture

• Turn stove to medium heat and continue stirring the mixture constantly.
• It will slowly thicken to a glue-like, gelatinous consistency.
• Remove from heat once it thickens enough that the spoon leaves an impression when stirred.
• The cooking gives the Orbeez their signature gummy, bouncy texture when hydrated.

Step 3: How Should Food Coloring be Added to the Orbeez?

Adding food coloring to the Orbeez dough is optional, but does provide visual appeal. Here’s how to mix in food coloring:

• Add several drops of food coloring after the cornstarch is fully blended with water.
• Start with just 2-3 drops, then add more for darker shades.
• Stir continuously to distribute the color evenly throughout the dough.
• Add different colors to divide the dough into portions for multicolored Orbeez.
• Neon food colors create vibrant Orbeez for an eye-catching effect.
• Stir until the color is uniform throughout each portion before shaping the Orbeez.

Step 4: What is the Best Way to Shape and Mold the Orbeez?

Once the dough is cooked and colored, you can shape it into ammunition in a few different ways:

Use Your Hands

• Pinch off small pieces and roll into balls between your palms
• Create different sizes for variety
• Roll dough into long “worms” and cut into pellets

Press into Molds

• Candy molds, ice cube trays, and squeeze bottles to shape the dough
• Press dough in firmly, tapping to remove air pockets
• Unmold after drying

Cut Shapes from Dough

• Roll pieces of dough flat and use cookie cutters to cut shapes
• Place cut shapes on drying surface as is

Dry Scooping Method

• Scoop dried dough pieces with a spoon to form balls
• Wet hands with water to handle dough easily

Experiment with different shaping methods for unique biodegradable Orbeez designs!

Step 5: How Should the Formed Orbeez Be Dried?

Drying is the most crucial step to ensure properly hardened Orbeez:

• Lay shaped pieces in a single layer on wax paper or a baking sheet.
• Do not overlap pieces or they may mold together.
• Let sit undisturbed at room temperature until hardened completely.
• Drying time ranges from 8-24 hours.
• To speed up drying, place next to a fan or lightly warm in the oven.
• Once hardened, Orbeez should feel firm with a bumpy, gummy texture.
• Under-dried Orbeez will stick together and turn moldy over time.
• Store completely dry Orbeez in an airtight container.

Following this drying protocol results in durable, non-sticking Orbeez perfect for any blasting fun!

How Should Homemade Biodegradable Orbeez Be Used?

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using your homemade biodegradable Orbeez! Here are some fun ways to use them:

Splatter Games

Orbeez cling to windows, slides, cardboard when splattered

Water Gun Battles

Load into water guns for soaking backyard fun

Party Favors or Prizes

Give away colorful Orbeez in goodie bags

Crafting

Decorate frames, make jewelry, embellish projects

Decorations

Use clear Orbeez in vases, centerpieces, displays

Sensory Play

Safe, tactile material for kids and classrooms

Since they are completely non-toxic and biodegradable, you can feel good about disposing of extra Orbeez when play time is over. Simply leave them in the grass to naturally decompose. The possibilities are endless with these easy homemade water beads!

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Biodegradable Orbeez

What is the ideal size to make Orbeez?

Orbeez can range from pea-sized to marble-sized. Most commercial Orbeez are 3-5mm diameter. Make a mix of sizes for more interest.

How long do homemade Orbeez last before biodegrading?

Homemade Orbeez can last for a few weeks if kept dry in an airtight container. Once exposed to moisture and sunlight, they begin decomposing within a week or two.

Why is it important to let Orbeez dry fully?

Letting Orbeez dry completely results in hardened beads that won’t stick together. Under-dried Orbeez will mold and degrade quickly.

Can Orbeez be made without food coloring?

Yes, plain cornstarch and water Orbeez work just as well! The food color simply adds festive visual appeal.

What can be used instead of cornstarch to make Orbeez?

Cornstarch is the best option for achieving the desired gummy texture. Substitutes like flour or arrowroot result in a more brittle bead.

How should excess Orbeez be disposed of after playing?

To biodegrade, simply spread leftover Orbeez outside in a thin layer. Position in direct sunlight and rain to decompose.

Are homemade Orbeez safe for pets?

While not toxic, homemade Orbeez pose a choking risk for curious pets. Supervise closely and limit access after use.

The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Orbeez Fun

Choosing to make your own biodegradable Orbeez brings many rewarding benefits:

Reduces Plastic Pollution – Commercial plastic beads end up in landfills and waterways, harming ecosystems. Homemade Orbeez break down naturally without harming the planet.

Protects Wildlife – Birds and sea life often mistake plastic pellets for food, leading to starvation or poisoning. Biodegradable Orbeez don’t cause these risks to animals.

Saves Money – Purchasing commercial Orbeez and water beads can get expensive. Making them at home with basic ingredients is very affordable.

Creative Fun – Kids will love shaping the dough into unique ammo designs and coloring their own custom Orbeez. The hands-on process gets their imagination flowing!

Promotes Sustainability – Making biodegradable Orbeez helps children understand the importance of sustainable materials and protecting the environment through play.

With these positives in mind, homemade Orbeez are clearly the smart choice over plastic ammunition for good clean fun. Give it a try and see how easy it is to whip up hours of eco-friendly backyard entertainment.

Ready, Aim, Fire Away with Homemade Biodegradable Orbeez!

Looking for a fun family activity that won’t cost a fortune or harm the planet? Making your own biodegradable Orbeez ammo is an easy, affordable project with huge payoff in outdoor entertainment. Kids of any age will embrace the creative hands-on experience while parents will love that it uses natural ingredients that decompose safely. Backyard water battles will never be the same again with homemade Orbeez flying through the air!

So gather your cornstarch, water, and food coloring to start whipping up vibrant batches of Orbeez today. Just remember to allow plenty of drying time for hardened beads that won’t disintegrate immediately upon hydration. With the right preparation, your homemade ammo can provide hours of splash-tastic fun all summer long. Let the eco-friendly water fights begin.