Why Jello there! We all remember eating Jello as a child. It is colorful, transparent, and jiggles. But have you ever explored Jello’s material properties? This instructable teaches you what you can do with Jello (other than eat, of course!). Step by step instructions show you how to build a 11/2” X 3” X 6” block of Jello and everyday objects, such as straws and cotton balls, are used to create patterns, hollow tubes, and unique textures. Remember, it’s a fun and explorative process! Don’t be afraid to veer away from the patterns and try something new. Now get started!

Step 1: Gather Materials

Gather the materials needed to make the Jello molds. For this you will need:

· 2-5 Packets of Jello

· Food Coloring

· Plastic Straws

· Cotton Balls

· Balloons

· Containers to pour the Jello into

Note: Glass containers prevent the Jello from sticking best. I didn’t have glass bake-ware and used plastic Tupperware instead. However, be sure to spray your container with cooking spray to prevent the Jello from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Molds

Use straws, balloons, cotton balls, or any object you wish to create patterns and designs within the containers. For instance, I pulled apart cotton balls to give them more volume and placed them around each other. I suspended a partially inflated balloon with tape. I also cut, layered, and arranged plastic straws in patterns. Try and imagine the negative space your object will create in the Jello mold.

Note: The hot Jello-water mixture popped the balloon while the Jello set. If you wish to use inflated balloons, make sure your mixture is cool before pouring it into the containers.

Step 3: Make the Jello

Follow the instructions on the side of the Jello box to make: “Jigglers.”

IMPORTANT: Jigglers have a thicker consistency and hold their form better than typical Jello. The additional stiffness is key when building the 1 1/2” X 3” X 6” block.

Directions to make Jigglers are as follows:

· Add 21/2 cups boiling water to 4 pkg. (3 oz. each) gelatin mixes

· Stir 3 minutes until completely dissolved (Do not add cold water.)

· Add in food coloring (if desired)

· Pour into container

· Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.

Repeat the steps until all of your containers are filled with 1-3 inches of Jello-water mixture.

Note: I placed some my containers at an angle in the refrigerator. This results in the Jello setting at a slant. Can be an additional design choice if desired.

Step 4: Gather Cutting Materials

While your Jello sets, prepare your cutting materials to make the 1 1/2” X 3” X 6” block. Materials you may need but are not limited to:

· Scissors

· Exacto Knife

· Box Cutter

· Kitchen Knife

· Architectural Scale

· Elmer’s Glue Stick

· Hot Glue Gun and Sticks

Step 5: Build the Block

Carefully extract Jello from the molds. Do this by running a knife along the perimeter and gently lifting it from the container.

Now is your time to be creative! Cut sections from the molds and make design choices to craft the 1 1/2” X 3” X 6” block. For example, I left the cotton balls in the Jello to add texture to the block and I extracted some plastic straws to reveal the voids they created. I chose to cut sections I thought were interesting and conjoined individual pieces to make a dynamic looking block. I also spray painted the straws to hide their original coloring.Pieces of Jello will stick to one another. However, small amounts of glue can be applied to secure connections.

Once satisfied, refrigerate your finished block until it is time to show it off!

Step 6: Share Your Creation

“Jello from the other side.”

I hope you’ve enjoyed this instructable of how to mold and work with Jello. I’d love to see what you did! Please share your creation with me!

I have another instructable applying the same design principles but using different materials. The process involves glycerin, silicon, and brass tubing rather than jello and plastic straws. Check it out here: https://www.instructables.com/id/Glycerin-and-Bras...