Glitter slime is one of the most popular crafts for kids. It offers hours of tactile sensory play, encourages creative expression, and looks mesmerising when light catches the shimmering flecks stretched inside clear slime.
However, many parents hesitate to make glitter slime at home because of standard craft supplies. Traditional craft glitter is made from rigid PET plastic that gets under fingernails, sticks to skin and ends up washed down the drain as microplastic pollution.
Fortunately, you don't have to skip the sparkle. By using a simple slime recipe with soft, plant-based craft glitter, you can make sparkling, stretchy glitter slime that kids love.
What Makes This Glitter Slime Recipe Parent-Friendly?
- Plant-based craft glitter: our Deco 60 craft glitter is made with a plant-based film instead of plastic, and its manufacturer describes it as plastic-free.
- EN71-3 toy safety: Deco 60 complies with EN71-3, the European toy safety standard that limits how much of certain elements, including heavy metals, can migrate out of a material.
- Softer on hands: unlike hard plastic glitter flakes, cellulose-based glitter is smooth and flexible, so it’s comfortable for kneading and stretching.
- Easy clean-up: wipe stray glitter off hands and surfaces with a damp cloth and put it in the bin, rather than rinsing it down the sink.
This clear slime recipe acts as a crystal-clear window, making the glitter pop with maximum shine.
Supplies Needed:
- 1/2 cup washable clear PVA glue
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 to 2 tablespoons contact lens solution (must contain boric acid and sodium borate in the ingredients)
- 1-2 teaspoons of glitter from our 50g Craft Glitter Shakers: we recommend 015 Fine in Gold, Silver or Pink for smooth dispersion, or 040 Chunky for a textured, crunchy feel.
- Optional: 1-2 drops of liquid food colouring or watercolour paint (for tinted slime).
Safety first: an adult should measure and add the contact lens solution, as it contains borates. Make slime with children over 3 only, supervise them at all times, keep it away from mouths and eyes, and make sure everyone washes their hands before and after playing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Create the Liquid Base
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of clear PVA glue with 1/2 cup of warm water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and bubble-free. Pro tip: if you want coloured slime, add 1 to 2 drops of food colouring here and stir well. Keep it light so your glitter stays visible!
Step 2: Add the Sparkle
Open your 50g Craft Glitter Shaker and sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of glitter into the liquid. Stir gently. The fine glitter will spread evenly through the clear mixture.
Step 3: Add the Baking Soda
Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and stir until dissolved. Baking soda gives the slime structure and firmness.
Step 4: Activate Your Slime (Adults Only)
An adult should slowly pour in 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution while stirring. You’ll see the slime start pulling away from the sides of the bowl. If it’s still sticky after a minute of stirring, add another 1/2 tablespoon.
Step 5: Knead and Play!
Take the slime out of the bowl and knead it for 2-3 minutes. As you work it, the cloudiness will clear, leaving a vibrant, stretchy sheet of glitter slime!
Bonus Idea: Glitter Playdough
For children who prefer dough to slime, you can turn basic playdough into glitter dough:
- Make or open a batch of playdough.
- Flatten the dough on a table and sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of 015 Fine or 040 Chunky craft glitter over the top.
- Fold and knead the dough for 60 seconds until the glitter is evenly spread.
Glitter dough is for children over 3 who no longer put things in their mouths, with an adult supervising.
Storage & Maintenance
Store your glitter slime in an airtight container or zip-lock bag when not in use. Kept at room temperature, clear glitter slime should stay stretchy for up to 3 weeks. Throw it away in your general waste if it gets dirty or starts to smell.
Note: our craft glitter is for decorative craft use only. It is not for use on skin, is not a toy and must not be eaten. Craft activities should always be supervised by an adult.
Ready to Make Your Own Glitter Slime?
Get all the sparkle for your next weekend craft afternoon, with plant-based craft glitter.
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