After making my No-Glue Epsom Salt Luminary, I wanted to experiment with growing larger salt crystals. The problem was that surface tension caused the salt solution to bead up on the glass. Fortunately the answer was sitting right next to my kitchen sink. A squirt of dish soap is all that was needed to break the surface tension and allow the crystals to spread. Just a few tweaks to the original method and I was able to create these beautiful “icy” luminaries!
Would you like to try? It’s really easy, I promise.
Materials
- Jars, bottles, vases, candle holders, anything glass will work
- small bowl
- 1/4 cup Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate)
- 1/4 cup hot tap water
- dish soap
- foam brush or sponge
Instructions Thoroughly wash and dry your glass. The salt will not stick if it is greasy. Pour the water into the bowl, add the Epsom salt, and stir until it is dissolved. You may have to microwave the solution for a few seconds to help it along. Gently stir in 3-4 drops of dish soap, being careful not to make it bubble up. Soak a foam brush or sponge in the salt solution and squeeze it out slightly. Wipe the solution on the glass to evenly coat it. Too much is better than too little. If it is dripping, set the glass on paper towel, but do not try to wipe the excess off. Let it dry thoroughly and resist the urge to touch because you will disturb the crystal growth. {Handle your finished creation gently. The crystals may scratch off if you are too rough with it} It is interesting to watch the Epsom salt crystals grow, so grab the kids and turn it into an education experience! This is a closeup of the crystals, aren’t they gorgeous? 
I placed heart shaped stickers on the larger luminary before I applied the salt solution. I absolutely love the shadows made on the wall when it is lit! 
A couple more shots…. 
