Homemade dough · Sand
Homemade magic sand (kinetic-style sand)
Homemade magic sand that holds its shape, then flows through your fingers like the store-bought moldable kind: sand, glue, dish soap, and cornstarch.
- DifficultyEasy
- Time10 minutes
- Makes1 bowl
- Recommended ageAges 4+, with an adult
Magic sand (often called “kinetic sand,” which is actually a brand name) holds together when you mold it, then slowly flows through your fingers. The homemade version mixes fine sand with a little glue, dish soap, and cornstarch. Use regular dish soap: according to the original recipe, “natural” versions can ruin the texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) fine play sand or craft sand
- ½ cup (120 ml) white PVA school glue
- 2 tsp (10 ml) dish soap
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch
Supplies: a bowl, a spoon.
Steps
- Mix the sand, dish soap, and cornstarch.
- Add the glue a little at a time, stirring.
- Knead by hand.
- Too dry: a little glue. Sticky: a little cornstarch.
The most common slime fails
- It sticks to your fingers
- Add cornstarch in small amounts.
- It won’t hold together
- A little more glue.
Variations and ideas
- Colored sand makes colored magic sand, no food coloring needed.
- Without glue: moon sand, made with cornstarch and water.
How to store it
Airtight container or zip-top bag, several weeks. If it dries out, knead in a little glue or dish soap.
✅ I made it! Add it to my logbook
