Bubbles bring joy to any outdoor event, especially when the wind carries them high into the sky... You can buy bubble solution or make it yourself; the choice of wand is up to you: a large one for giant bubbles or a smaller one for more modest bubbles. If you're eager to learn how to blow shimmering, colorful bubbles, let's jump to the first step.

Blowing Small Bubbles

Step 1. Prepare the bubble solution.

Step 1

Prepare the bubble solution. If you have a bottle of bubble liquid, you're already set. If not, you can easily make it at home using a few common ingredients. For the soap base, you can use any liquid soap, and adding cornstarch will give the bubbles added strength. Mix the following ingredients in a bottle or bowl:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) of liquid soap or dishwashing liquid.
  • 1 cup of water (250 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon of cornstarch

Step 2. Find a wand.

Step 2

Find a wand. Store-bought bubble liquids come with a wand for blowing bubbles, but if you're making your own solution, you'll need to create a wand. This is where your creativity can shine. A wand can be made (cut, twisted, shaped) from anything that has a hole to blow through. Look for something from the following (these items can easily be transformed into a wand):

  • A wire egg-dipping tool. This item is rare in domestic markets, but it can often be found in Easter egg-dyeing kits purchased online. This small wire tool (essentially a ring on a stick) has both a blowing hole and a handle to hold – perfect for bubbles.
  • A pipe cleaner. Just bend one end of the cleaner into a ring and secure it around a stick.
  • A plastic straw. Bend one end of the straw into a ring and tape it.
  • A slotted spoon. You can dip the spoon into the bubble solution and blow out many tiny bubbles at once.
  • Any other items that can be bent into a ring. If there's a hole, you can blow bubbles through it!

Step 3. Dip the wand into the bubble solution.

Step 3

Dip the wand into the bubble solution. The liquid should stretch across the hole, forming a film. If you look closely, you’ll see colorful swirls of soap on the film. The film should be thick enough not to break and stay on the hole for a few seconds until you blow a bubble.

  • If the soap film breaks immediately after you remove the wand from the liquid, add more cornstarch – it will make the film thicker. For a similar effect, you can add egg whites.

Step 4. Bring the wand to your lips and blow.

Step 4

Bring the wand to your lips and blow. Blow directly into the center of the wand's ring. A gentle, steady stream of air will start to stretch the film outward until it forms a sphere and separates. Congratulations, you've just made a bubble! Experiment with different blowing techniques and observe how your breath affects bubble formation.

  • If you continue to blow after the first bubble detaches from the wand, you might discover there's still enough solution on it for a few more bubbles. Keep blowing as long as you’re making bubbles.
  • Try blowing a big bubble with a very slow airflow, directing it into the center of the ring.

Blowing Giant Bubbles

Step 1. Prepare a super-strong solution.

Step 1

Prepare a super-strong solution. Since a giant bubble needs to be strong (otherwise, it will burst), you'll need a bubble solution with an extra dose of starch or another thickening agent. Make a larger batch of solution using the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup of liquid soap (250 ml)
  • 4 cups of water (1 liter)
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) of cornstarch

Step 2. Create a giant blowing wand.

Step 2

Create a giant blowing wand. To create giant bubbles, you'll need a large wand with a net around the ring. This will allow the bubbles to grow to enormous sizes without bursting. You can buy a large wand at the store, or to make your own, do the following:

Step 3. Pour the solution into a shallow tray (or baking sheet).

Step 3

Pour the solution into a shallow tray (or baking sheet). Since the large ring won't fit into a bottle, you will need to find a shallow tray and pour the solution into it. You can also use a baking sheet with high edges or another shallow dish.

Step 4. Dip the ring and move it through the air.

Step 4

Dip the wand into the solution so that both the wand and the net are fully covered in bubble solution. Slowly lift the wand and move it through the air. You should see a huge wavy bubble emerging from the ring. Help it detach from the wand by continuing to move it through the air.

  • Creating large bubbles requires practice. Large bubbles are more prone to bursting than small ones. Don't give up!
  • Experiment by trying to place small objects inside the bubble. Try putting a piece of lint, a petal, or another small lightweight object in the liquid and see if it can float inside the bubble.

Playing Games with Bubbles

Step 1. Compete to see who can blow the most bubbles.

Step 1

Compete to see who can blow the most bubbles. Now that you know how to blow bubbles, you can play fun games with your friends. Give each person a wand and see who can make the most bubbles in one blow. Remember, a steady, even stream of air will yield more bubbles than a strong, abrupt puff!

Step 2. See who can create the biggest bubble.

Step 2

See who can create the biggest bubble. This is another fun game to engage your friends. Start simultaneously and see who can blow the biggest bubble using a small wand. If someone is sitting out during the game, ask them to take pictures of you!

Step 3. See who can make the strongest giant bubble.

Step 3

See who can make the strongest giant bubble. If you've made a giant wand, it will be fun to see whose bubble lasts the longest without bursting. You can increase the challenge by asking competitors to run, stick their hands into the bubble, or do squats – all while keeping the bubble intact.

Step 4. Play darts with bubbles.

Step 4

Play darts with bubbles. This is just like regular darts, but a lot more fun! Have someone stand near the board and blow bubbles. The person throwing darts should try to pop as many bubbles as possible, earning points for their team.

Step 5. Make ice bubbles.

Step 5

Make ice bubbles. This activity is perfect for a rainy day when you want to play with bubbles but can't go outside. Blow a bubble and carefully transfer it to a plate. Gently place the plate in the freezer. Check after about half an hour – the bubble should freeze solid.