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.
Jane The only crystals I find in Craft stores is called cracked ice. Is this the same? But they all say they look like cracked ice when done. I didn't think this will look completley clear. But they say they are polymer water crystals. Please let me know if there is a brand name that I should be looking for. Thank You.
cozza – WA
May 02, 2008 - 04:39
hello :D
wow this sounds like such a wicked kool idea :D i really like it and im
defineltally going to give it a try :D thankyou again
its kool!!!!
xoxox
anna – windsor,ont canada
April 27, 2008 - 08:47
I'm having alot of trouble trying to find the water crystals.
Any other suggestions?
I've tried Micheal's, floral stores etc.
Reply to anna
Jane – Editor of AllFreeCrafts
April 27, 2008 - 09:13
Hi, Anna,
I'm surprised that Michaels didn't have them. You can buy this product online. Try using a Google search for polymer water crystals for possible supply sources; you might find a local supplier this way too. Good luck!
Donna Still-Garcia – deetsg251@hotmail.com
April 19, 2008 - 11:22
Dear Jane,
I just finished my fish bowls and as you stated, they are great!
This month I have Six birthdays so these will be great gifts.
Thank you so much and happy crafting.
Donna
Donna Still-Garcia – deetsg251@hotmail.com
April 17, 2008 - 13:26
What a great idea. I have alot of smelly jellies and can't wait to try this.
But I have one question: If coloring is used will the end product look as clear as the photo?
Great Idea :)
Gods Blessings to you and yours,
Donna
Reply to Donna Still-Garcia
Jane – Editor of AllFreeCrafts
April 17, 2008 - 19:10
Hi, Donna,
The food coloring will shade the water somewhat, so less is more, if you know what I mean. If you only use a little, to give just a hint of green or blue, it should still be clear enough to see the shells and goldfish. I'm sure yours will turn out great!
