Aqua Gem Halloween Fun

 

Our mom went to a luncheon and saw the cutest game themed centerpieces. Small square vases were filled with game pieces and sat on a checkerboard. Our mom was commenting on how cute everything was and the ladies told her to feel inside the glass jar.  She was surprised to feel that it was full of tiny gel balls.  The gel balls helped to stabilize the game pieces but from afar gave the appearance of water.

We thought it was pretty cool so we headed off to Jo-Ann's to pick up some Aqua Gems.  They are about 5.00 a bag- but make a lot!  Have any of you tried these?

Add water and they start expanding!  I ended up filling about six good sized jars with two little bags. The longer they sit in water the larger they get...up to 1/2 inch in size.

The best part is.. the color won't bleed.  Say....if your 3 year old knocks them over...all you have to clean up is water and a gazillion balls! :)

We decided to fill our vases with scary little plastic creatures.  My boys were in heaven!

They thought this was the "coolest" craft we have ever made!

They couldn't keep their hands out!  The little balls shrink when left out of water and they had so much fun testing it out. 

**I do have to warn you**

If you have kids that are prone to sticking things up their nose...this little project may not be a good fit!

My older sons were teasing with some of the longer malformed balls, holding them up to their nose....you know...because they're green and all....while my three old was observing.

A little bit later I heard the three year old  say, "Look Mom!" 

"Honey...don't stick things up your nose!!!"

~Sniff~

Uh-Oh!!

Several sneezes later and some frantic crying the little green ball shot out!  It could have been much worse.

They feel so squishy and slimy...perfect for a Halloween party or haunted house.  At Jo-Ann's they also have waterproof tea lights to light up your aqua gems.  They were seventeen dollars for a pack....so I passed.  But they would be cool!   

 We made a little spider arrangement using some spray painted thrift store flowers

 and branches from the yard.

The brighter bugs I found at Walmart in the party favor section. 

My kids were so excited to fill the vases with creepy things and hunted the house down for extra eyeballs and spiders. I knew that plastic eyeball from the dentist office would come in handy!

The gems come in many colors, like orange and purple. We sound like an advertisement....but they are so much fun!  We love how they keep all the objects in place.

They are so fun I don't think YOU will be able to keep your hands out either! :)