kids Archives - Carole Marie Shelton

Making Bubble Gum

While writing a fun story about bubble gum, I wondered if I could make my own gum from home.
I found a video showing how to make bubblegum and copied it. Finding the gum base to purchase took more searching than I anticipated, but don’t worry; I’m sharing my source here so you can easily find it.

Making bubble gum was a sticky process, and the first time around, we learned too late that using our nice dishes for mixing ingredients wasn’t the best option (we had to use rubbing alcohol to remove the gum base from our dishes and silverware afterward).

Once we switched to using paper bowls and a wooden stirring stick, the clean-up was a breeze. (The image on the left features gum base and flavor drop bottles.)

We purchased a gum base that is made in the USA from HungryRobot. It doesn’t smell very good when you pull it out of the package, but after adding the flavor oils and powdered sugar, it smells and tastes amazing.

We used two capfuls of either Bubblegum flavor or Cotton Candy flavor from LorAnn Oils, as we tested batches. With one batch, we also added a few drops of the LorAnn Tart and Sour Flavor Enhancer, which gave the gum a tangy sour punch. (Be aware that the more liquids you add to the gum base, the more powdered sugar you’ll need later.)

We also experimented with different food colors, but classic pink was our favorite.

After testing and verifying measurements, we invited guests to join in on the gum-making. We’ve had three bubble gum-making parties with teens and adults, followed each time by a bubble-blowing contest – what a blast!

Want to make bubble gum, too? You’ll find the recipe below. If you make homemade bubble gum, let me know. I’d love to hear your results!

Print Recipe

Homemade Bubble Gum

Equipment

1 Paper bowl
1 Paper plate
1 Wood craft stick or plastic spoon
Cutting utensil or plastic knife
Wax paper or parchment paper, cut into squares

Ingredients

2 1/2 TBLS Unflavored Gum Base (or 30 grams)
3 TBLS Corn Syrup
Flavor Drops Such as Cotton Candy or Bubble Gum flavors. We used 2 capfuls.
1 Drop Food Coloring Red provides the classic bubblegum pink color
2 TBLS Powdered Sugar

Instructions

In a paper bowl, microwave the gum base in ten-second increments until it’s fully melted. (use the wood craft stick to stir it)
Add the corn syrup, and continue microwaving in ten-second increments and stirring until fully mixed.
Add the flavor drops and stir.
Add the food coloring and stir. Set aside.
Pour the powdered sugar onto the paper plate.
Pour the melted ingredients into the middle of the powdered sugar.
Use the craft stick to pile surrounding powdered sugar onto the top of the mixture.
Using your fingers, press more powdered sugar in.
Massage the sugar in while adding more and more powdered sugar until the mixture is no longer sticky.
Roll the gum into a log.
Cut into gum-size pieces.
Drop the pieces back into the powdered sugar and roll.
Shake the sugar loose and roll each piece inside wax or parchment paper. Twist ends.

Notes

*We purchased gum base that is made in the USA from HungryRobot https://hungryrobot.com/products/base

**We used two capfuls of either Bubblegum flavor or Cotton Candy flavor from LorAnn Oils https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJMGG3MW?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b Amazon.com: LorAnn SS Flavor combo Pack – Bubble Gum and Cotton Candy – 1 Ounce : Grocery & Gourmet Food _fed_…

As I researched bubble gum, I learned about archeological evidence showing that chewing gum has existed for a long time. The Mayans, ancient Greeks, and others chewed gum. The world’s oldest preserved chewing gum is 9,000 years old and made from birch bark in Sweden.

More Fun Facts About Bubblegum:

*A British archeologist once discovered a 5,000-year-old piece of chewing gum in Finland. It was made from bark tar and still contained tooth imprints.

*The oldest bubble gum brand, Blibber-Blubber, started in 1906, but it was way too sticky. In 1928, Walter Diemer discovered a successful formula called Bubble Dubble, which is still being sold today.

*The most expensive chewing gum in the world is called Mastika Gum. If you’d like to try the gum that elitists and royal families worldwide chew, you can buy it online.

*The current world record for the most chewing gum chewed at one time is 250 pieces. Yikes!

*All forms of chewing gum have been banned in Singapore since 1992.

Picture Book Recommendations:

As I searched for picture books that feature bubble gum (to use as inspiration, mentor texts, and comp titles for the story I wrote), these books stood out as my favorites. Take a look!

*On Account of the Gum, by Adam Rex

*Bubble Gum Bison Needs a Bath by Scott Rothman

*Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum by Meghan McCarthy

Family life gets busy. At times it can be so hectic, you haven’t had a chance to have deep conversations or memorable moments with your children, especially when you have more than one child in the home. So how do you ensure you’re consistently connecting with each child to provide affirmation and affection while also meeting their unique needs and love languages? By intentionally doting on your child with a ‘Dote Night’.

Each of my four children look forward to their designated Dote Night once a week. After the other kids have been tucked in, one child gets to stay up late. They love to remind me with a light in their eyes, “Tonight’s my Dote Night!” They choose a special snack, lower the lights and we snuggle on the couch. We’ll watch an age appropriate, wholesome TV show, play a game or read a devotional together. After 20-30 minutes, I ask if there’s anything they’d like to talk to me about. My focus is completely on them. Without other kids around and zero distractions, they feel safe opening up. I ensure they feel heard and valued.

Sometimes our talks are silly and fun with much laughter. Sometimes our talks are deep and heartfelt. Other times, it’s a mix of both. At the end of our discussion, I ask what they would like prayer for. I hold their hand while praying for their requests, then I pray a heart-felt blessing over them. I also express my gratitude to God for the positive things I see in them — their kindness, helpfulness, patience, etc. I thank God out loud for entrusting me to raise such an amazing, wonderful child, then we hug goodnight.

After making that heart-to-heart connection with them, I adore seeing the expression on their face, knowing that their love tank has just been filled up — filled up and overflowing.

Tips for a great Dote Night:

Speak positively to your child – this is not the time to point out that they forgot to take out the garbage.
Plan in advance a selection of wholesome, age appropriate TV shows or games for them to choose from. We’ve enjoyed watching episodes of the Andy Griffith Show, as there is often a moral or lesson that can be discussed afterwards. One of our favorite two-person games is Mancala.
Purchase or make special snacks to keep ready for Dote Night. We have certain treats that are reserved only for this time, and the kids all know they aren’t allowed to pull anything from the Dote Night shelf unless it’s their special night. My kids like having choices, so I keep a variety of snacks to choose from like popcorn, dried fruit, pub mix, frozen treats, packets of hot chocolate, homemade cookies, trail mix, etc. I don’t offer anything with caffeine. And while I prefer to avoid sugar, especially just before bedtime, I’ll make an exception once in a while.
Create a comfortable space. Get blankets and pillows — anything to provide comfort and coziness.
Touch is vital. Sit shoulder-to-shoulder, rub their back, hold their hand (granted, teens may not always be comfortable with this but the younger ones will be more open).
Togetherness. Spend 20-30 minutes watching the show, playing a game or reading a devotional together, while eating snacks.
Be open to good conversations. After the 20-30 minutes is over, this is where the conversation begins. For older teens, discuss the choices (good or bad) the characters in the show made. Ask your child their opinion and why they feel that way (again, this is not a time to correct them and is a great way to learn about their thinking habits). This can easily morph into discussions about their own friends, school, etc. For younger kids, ask them about their favorite part of the day, etc. Be open to any type of discussion.
Listen. Focus on what they are saying. Make eye contact. When they realize it’s safe to share and you are really listening, they will open up more.
Affirm your child. Through your discussion, find ways to affirm your child using positive words such as, “You are such a good friend.”, “That was a very mature way to handle that situation, I’m proud of you.”, and “That must have been tough, but I like that you kept such a positive attitude during the entire day.” Speak out the things you love about them – their physical characteristics, social skills, emotional maturity. Say it with a soft and caring voice. Ensure your face is expressing ‘looks of love’. They will remember these words for the rest of their lives.
Pray. Tell them you’d like to pray over them. Pray about any problems, issues or concerns they shared. They’ll know you were listening earlier. Then ask if there is anything else they would like prayer for (this may stir up more conversations). Follow up on earlier pray requests to see if anything has been resolved or still needs prayer (keep a notebook if needed).
Wrap it up. After the prayer, clean up, then give your child a warm bear hug goodnight and tell them again that you love them.

With older kids, go deeper with questions:

Ask them if they have any needs that aren’t being met (e.g. clothes, food, needing more time with you.) I found out once that my son was very irritated over the lack of shorts in his drawer – I wasn’t even aware he needed more because the drawer was so full. It turned out that most of the shorts didn’t fit him right.
Ask them if there is anything at home that is frustrating them and if it’s something you can help with. Or is there anything you are doing as a parent that you could be doing better? Careful with this one – be sure you’re open to criticism and willing to hear their honest opinion without getting defensive. I don’t ask this question when I feel stretched too thin or not in the best mood.
It’s a great time to follow-up on last week’s discussions and prayer requests (you may want to keep a journal to jot things down later, then you can refer back to it just before their designated Dote Night).

While temporarily caring for a foster child, I was providing Dote Nights five nights a week. Then when an at-risk teen also moved in, who wanted a Dote Night as well, I realized as a single working mom I needed to carve out a night to dote on myself to ensure my own needs were being met (such as a hot bath, extended prayer/worship, etc.) Fortunately, my daughters are old enough to watch the younger boys, which allowed me this treasured quiet time.

In the end, it may not always feel like you’ve connected well with your child, or perhaps the warm fuzzies aren’t there — but being consistent is important. You are providing connection, building emotional trust, increasing their inner growth, and sustaining their mental health. When something happens in their lives, they know they can count on Dote Night to be a time they have your undivided attention to talk if there haven’t been any natural opportunities. It is so worth the time, effort and investment. We love our Dote Nights of expressing excessive love and fondness, and we hope you enjoy your Dote Nights too!