How to Make Gelatin Plastic

Colorful gelatin shapes can be used to make jewelry, mobiles, decorations, and more! This project is not too difficult and takes about 2-3 days to complete.

What You Need

• 3 envelopes plain gelatin
• 9 tablespoons or 75 ml water
• 3-5 drops food color
• Plastic lid with a rim
• Saucepan
• Paper towels
• Cookie cutters
• Drinking straw
• Scissors

How to Make Gelatin Plastic

1. Mix the water and food coloring in the saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the 3 envelopes of unflavored gelatin to dissolve. Cook and stir for 30 seconds or until thickened.
3. Pour the mixture into the plastic lid with a rim, push the air bubbles out with a spoon or other utensil, and let the gelatin cool on the counter for 45 minutes.
4. Remove the gelatin disk from the lid. It should be flexible and pliable.
5. Use the cookie cutters to make interesting shapes. Leftover scraps also make interesting pieces! Scissors may be used to make spirals or other designs. Use a plastic drinking straw to make holes for hanging pieces.
6. Shapes may be dried flat on a cookie sheet or cooling rack. Spirals may be hung by clothespins. Shapes with holes may be strung on ​a string to dry. The gelatin will be hard like plastic in 2-3 days.
7. Be creative! Have fun!

Useful Tips

1. Adult supervision is required!
2. To prevent curling, take a plastic container, place a paper towel or cloth over the top, and place the shapes on the cloth.
3. Cut the center out of a lid that fits the bucket, put another towel over the gelatin shapes, then press the lid tightly onto the container to hold everything firmly in place.
4. Allow the shapes to dry completely before removing them.
5. An embroidery hoop and two pieces of cloth or paper towel may also be used to keep pieces from curling while drying.