Bubble Making Tips and Techniques for National Bubble Week 2009

Bubbles are a source of amusement for the young and the old. The smallest of little ones enjoy blowing, popping, and chasing these iridescent circles. And the bigger 'children' enjoy creating new ways to make bigger and longer lasting bubbles. Whichever, the age or reason, we can all testify to loving bubbles. And because of this love and fascination of bubbles, it is not surprising that there is a whole week dedicated to celebrating and honoring bubble blowing. For an entire week, March 20-26, 2009, National Bubble Week will be in full force. Below is a few tips and bubble techniques to help your National Bubble Week celebration a successful one.

First of all, you will need the proper solution. You, of course, can buy bubble solution at any dollar store, Yet, if you are hosting a Bubble Week party, making your own bubble solutions can be more economical. Try one of these bubble solution recipes. I find that the simplest solution is dishwashing liquid and water. Start out with as much water as you think you will need, then, add a fourth of that much dishwashing liquid. You can add more, if needed. Some recipes suggest adding glycerin or corn syrup, these additives thicken the walls of the bubble; making them last longer. There is a possibility of staining, so make sure your participants are wearing their 'play' clothes, and take your activities to the great outdoors for the most enjoyment.

You will find that there are a number of bubble wands, blowers, and pipes on the market. For the younger children, store bought toys may be easier for them to handle. But, older children will enjoy creating and experimenting with different objects to make the best bubbles. Below is a list of ideas for making your own bubble toys for Bubble Week.

Use the plastic tops like the ones found on shortening cans, or peanut canisters. Using a sharp knife, cut shapes into various size plastic tops. Waving these wands in air, will create bubbles of different sizes.

Use the plastic rings from six pack cola cans. Dip the rings the solution and wave it through the air to create an interesting design.

Try your hand at making some wands. Using wire cutters and pliers, fashion various shapes from wire clothes hangers. You can make the shapes as big or small as you like. Create hearts, butterflies, flowers, etc. Leave enough at the end to use as a handle.

For large wands, you can pour the bubble solution into a shallow dish, such as a pie tin. Keep the solution covered to avoid dust, which will cause your bubbles to pop too soon.

You can also, use hula hoops to create big bubbles. You will need a child's plastic pool for this. For added fun, have one or two small children stand in the center of the hula hoop in the pool. Pull the hula hoop up over the children, creating a large bubble dome.

Create a donut. Take a large wand, dip it in your bubble solution. Now, make a sweeping motion, while turning in a complete circle until the ends of the bubble meet. You will find yourself encased in a bubble donut. But, don't eat it.

Another way to make big bubbles is to make a wand with sticks and string. You can take two long tree limbs; make sure they are the approximately the same length. Cut two pieces of twine, the longest string should be one and half inches longer than the tree limbs. The second string should be half the length of the first string. Tie the two pieces of string to the tips of the limbs. Your bubble wand creation will resemble a large sling shot. This wand can be used to make mega bubbles and does the best job when the individual is tall or stands on a high platform.

Bubbles are easier to create and last longer in humid conditions and away from direct sunlight. Therefore, the best time to make the most successful bubbles will be later in the day. If the night catches you, don't despair. Create a light show with your bubbles. Equip your bubble blowers with flashlights. Cut cellophane circles to fit over each one of different colors. Place strobe lights in the area. The bubbles will reflect the lights and give off a beautiful illumination.

Have a bubble contest. See who can make the biggest and longest lasting bubble. Give each contestant a large wand, and have them to run; making a long bubble.

Another game, is seeing who can make their bubble float the longest. Using a piece of cardboard and gentle sweeping motions, you can keep the bubble floating for a while.

What would a bubble party be without food. Select a number of circle shaped foods, such as meatballs, cheese balls, popcorn balls, melon balls, grapes, cherries, cookies, etc. Keep your food covered to avoid contamination from wayward bubbles.

Also, give the children something to remember Bubble Week by. You will need a drawing pad, tempera paint, straws, and bubble solution. Have a shallow dish for each color. Pour bubble solution and tempera paint into each dish. Have the child to blow into the solution, creating bubbles. When the bubbles are high, take the sheet of paper and lay on top of the bubbles. The paper will absorb the color; gently remove the paper. Let the paper dry a bit between colors. This technique creates amazing designs.

Apply these simple tips and techniques and Bubble Week will be both fun and educational. If you find that you just can't get enough of bubbles, try playing this bubble game from, rightfully titled, Addicting Games.