My mother did a double-take when she saw this goldfish bowl in my kitchen. I had just finished making this craft and set the fish bowl on the windowsill, where the sunlight streamed through, highlighting the fish and the seashells in a most realistic fashion. Mom had to look twice before she realized the fish were fake!
If you prefer, you can make this craft as a seascape air freshener, using fancy seashells as the main feature, rather than the artificial fish.
Smelly Jelly Fish Bowl Supplies:
small artificial goldfish (I found mine at the dollar store, with the rubber snakes and plastic spiders)
seashells
water crystals - these polymer, water-absorbing crystals are commonly sold at garden centers or craft stores, and are usually used for floral displays, water retention in gardening, or to make cooling neck ties.
4 inch glass bowl
water
essential oil or fragrance oil, plus a drop of non-scented dishwashing liquid, or water-based fragrance
teaspoon
optional: blue or green water coloring
Smelly Jelly Fish Bowl Instructions:
1. Wash and dry the glass bowl, then add water from a measuring cup, up to the neck of the bowl. Make a note of the amount of water that was used.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring, if desired.
3. If you are using oil-based fragrance or essential oil, add one drop of dishwashing liquid per cup of water, then add one teaspoon of fragrance oil, or 10 to 12 drops of essential oil and stir well.
Add more scent, if desired, until the aroma is as strong as you would like it.
Water-based scent can be added to the water without adding any dishwashing liquid.
4. Add one teaspoon of crystals per cup of water, stir well, and wait about an hour for the crystals to fully absorb the water. The gel should be clear and fairly firm.
5. Add seashells to the bowl, pushing them down to the bottom with a teaspoon. Once the shells are arranged in a pleasing fashion, add one or two artificial goldfish.
6. Set the smelly jelly fish bowl on a desk, in a bathroom, or on a windowsill, where the scent, as well as the goldfish, can be enjoyed by all.
Suggestions:
Over time, the water and scent will evaporate a little. Simply add a little more water and a few more drops of your fragrance to refresh.
just wanted to let you know that i really love your pages of crafts.
great ideas too. keep up the good job. i will visit again. thanks
Dawn – Wichita,ks
Dec 29, 2008 - 20:10
I was wondering what dollar store? We are having a hec of a time finding fish . Any help would be helpful
Thanks
Dawn
Reply to Dawn
stephanie
Jan 06, 2009 - 11:41
Try the party supply store"Party City" or the like for the fish, and the bowls are available at Dollar Tree.
Reply to Dawn
Stacy – Ohio
Mar 04, 2009 - 15:56
I found the goldfish at a store called Party Place that we have in Ohio none of our dollar stores or craft stores carried the goldfish.
Cathy – Nebraska, United States
Dec 22, 2008 - 16:08
I have a problem...I want to know if this craft is harmful to animals because my cat thought it was a real fish and got it all over himself. i'm afraid he might have eaten it. what should i do?? thanks
p.s. should i take him to the vet?
Reply to Cathy
Jane Lake – Editor at All Free Crafts
Dec 22, 2008 - 17:59
Well, I can certainly understand you being worried about your cat. According to my research, polymer crystals are non-toxic (they are often used as a supplement to soil or as a rooting medium for plants). However, they are not meant to eaten, so I would want to talk to a vet about that if I were you.
You could also look at www.watersorb.com, and use the Contact link at the bottom of the menu to email for advice. This is a non-profit organization that promotes the use of polymer crystals for agricultural and other purposes. They may be able to advise you.
At http://watergelcrystals.com/preparation.htm it says that "Crystal's Polymer Gel is non-toxic and ecologically neutral. It breaks down after its useful working life to CO2, water and nitrogen.....Although non-toxic, it should not be consumed in either its granule or its gel form. "
Perhaps a poison control center could confirm the non-toxicity and help answer your questions.
Please let us know what happens ...
Reply to Cathy
Cathy – Nebraska
Dec 24, 2008 - 11:59
Thanks for your time and concerns. Thankfully my cat is okay.
-Cathy
Sue – Connecticut
Jul 23, 2008 - 08:12
Can you use liquid potpourri instead of oils? I like the fish bowl idea am going to try it myself. michales has stuff they call water jewels. Home Depot carries stuff called Moisture Plus Watering Crystals.
Thanks for your help.
Diana – maryland
Jun 19, 2008 - 09:54
Jane- Please tell me what brand of water crystals you used. The ones I use create the crushed ice effect. I would like mine to look like yours in the picture. Or what am I doing wrong.
Reply to Diana
Libertypup – Upstate New York
Jun 29, 2008 - 08:25
I, too, got the crushed ice effect. Very disappointing. I thought I followed the instructions exactly. The bottom of the bowls are clear. I don't know if there's less polymer there or it has to do with how much you stir it. *sigh*
