Epsom Salt for Crafts | 5 Crafty Ways to Use Epsom Salts

Whether creating projects for the kids, or adding some crystal flair to your homewares, there’s a whole host of crafty ways to use Epsom salts.

From bath bombs to playdough, there are heaps of ways you can you Epsom salt for crafts at home. Get creative with these recipes!

This ‘salt’ is actually a magnesium-rich natural mineral, renowned across the world for health benefits and beauty boosting qualities. On top of its increasing role in the health and wellbeing market, Epsom salt is fast becoming the craft medium of choice.

From making bath bombs to DIY playdough and sparkly ornaments, you’ll never run out of ways to use Epsom salt. Have a look at these five ways Epsom salt can add fun and style to any occasion.

Epsom Salt DIY Playdough

Keep the kids entertained for hours with this twist on a childhood classic. Playdough can have a vital role in children’s early development. It helps little one’s advance their fine motor skills, socioemotional skills and creativity. Commercial playdough can contain nasty chemicals, causing itchy or irritable skin. For an all-natural alternative, make your playdough with Epsom salt.

Thanks to the hydrating properties of the magnesium-rich mineral, it will soften hands and keep skin smooth after playtime. You can even customize your playdough with colouring and glitter.

Just follow these simple steps to get your Epsom Salt DIY playdough.

What you’ll need:

• ½ cup Epsom salt
• 2 cups plain flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• 1 1/4 cup boiling water
• Food colouring
• Mixing bowl

Method:

1 - Combine the Epsom salt, flour and cream of tartar in a mixing bowl.

2 - Slowly stir in boiling water, oil and food colouring.

3 - Mix together until a playdough consistency is reached.

4 - Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

5 - You’re ready to get doughy! Epsom salt playdough can be stored for up to one month at room temperature in an airtight container.

Epsom Salt Crystals

Throw on a lab coat and unleash your inner scientist through this crafty Epsom salt project. With just a few simple ingredients you can grow a crystal garden in no time. This quick and easy experiment will prove a hit with kids and adults alike. Once formed, your Epsom salt will transform into dainty crystal flakes.

This crystal growth occurs when an Epsom salt and water mix is cooled rapidly. The magnesium sulphate atoms join to form a crystal-like structure. Epsom salt won’t doesn’t just cure aches and pains; it can teach your kids about crystal formation! Here is how to make crystals with Epsom salt.

What you’ll need:

• ½ cup Epsom salt
• Food colouring
• Mixing bowl

Method:

1 - Stir 1/2 cup of Epsom salts with 1/2 cup of hot water into a small mixing bowl.

2 - Add a few drops of food colouring to the mixture and stir thoroughly.

3 - Place bowl in fridge and leave for a few hours. You will return to a bowl full of delicate little crystals.

Epsom Salt Luminaries

Crystallise plain mason jars with the power of Epsom salt. With this project, you can add a romantic, sparkly glow to any interior space. This crafty hack makes for the perfect centrepiece to complement a wedding or big event. Best of all, it’s easy, affordable and oh-so stylish.

It’s important to remember that when crafting with Epsom salt, there will be discolouration and fading of the finished product. Dyed or coloured salt will turn white within a few weeks. If you’re making colourful luminaries before a wedding, don’t start crafting until just before the big day.

What you’ll need:

• Empty mason jars
• 1 cup Epsom salt
• Food colouring (if desired)
• Bowl
• Paintbrush
• Craft glue
• Clear sealer spray

Method:

1 - Place 1 cup of Epsom salts into a bowl with a few drops of food colouring and mix.

2 - Place Epsom salt mixture onto a flat surface for easy rolling.

3 - With a paintbrush, coat the outside of the jar in an even layer of craft glue.

4 - Roll the jar in the Epsom salt mixture. You may want to leave the rim clean and add a twine bow later.

5 - Leave jar to dry for a few hours.

6 - For a longer lasting finish, spray with gloss sealer and allow to dry for an hour.

7 - Add extra flair to your luminaries with twine, greenery or an electric tea light.

Epsom Salt Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are a luxurious and purifying way to get crafty with Epsom salt. You can unwind with a relaxing soak in an Epsom salt bath,relieve muscle tension and detoxify the skin. Epsom salt bath bombs are a natural and purifying practice that will leave you feeling recharged and rejuvenated.

On top of their marvellous healing properties, Epsom salt bath bombs make for the perfect present – whether it’s Mother’s Day, Christmas, or just to say thanks to someone special! But did you know they are also super easy to make at home? Just follow the steps below for an affordable and fun DIY project.

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup of baking soda
• ½ cup of citric acid
• ½ cup of Epsom salt
• ¾ cup of cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons water
• 2 tablespoons of natural oils
• Food colouring,
• Essential oils (30 to 40 drops)

• Mixing bowl
• Moulds (you can use your hands, muffin tins, or plastic moulds)

Method:

1 - Place the salt, baking soda, citric acid and cornstarch into a mixing bowl and stir until combined.

2 - In a separate bowl mix together the natural oil, water, food colouring and essential oils.

3 - Slowly add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients while mixing together.

5 - Your mixture should be slightly moist and hold firmly. If too dry or crumbly, try adding a small amount of water.

6 - Spoon mixture into the moulds and press firmly.

7 - Leave moulds out to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

8 - After the bath bombs have dried, gently remove them and store in an airtight container.

Epsom Salt Ornaments

Epsom salts can give new life to old hanging ornaments, leaving them glittery and elegant. This project will get your creative juices flowing and offer hours of fun. Suitable all year round, Epsom salt ornaments will add crystallised beauty to any home, or some frosty fun to your Christmas tree.

It’s important to remember that when crafting with Epsom salt, there will be fading. Dyed or coloured salt will turn white within a few weeks. This might be the look you’re after during the holiday season. If you need a coloured ornament before a big event, wait until just before the date until you start crafting.

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup Epsom salts
• Ball ornament
• Craft glue
• Food colouring (if desired)
• Clear sealer spray
• Paintbrush

Method:

1 - Place 1 cup of Epsom salts into a bowl, add a drop of food colouring and mix.

2 - Paint your ornament in an even layer of craft glue.

3 - Roll your ornament into the Epsom salt mix. Make sure the entire surface is coated.

4 - Leave ornament to dry for a few hours.

5 - For a longer lasting finish, spray with sealer spray and allow to dry for an hour.

To try-out these crafty uses of Epsom salt, browse our range of  Epsom salts here. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!