I do not give out the formula for my performance level solution. Bummer! But I can make suggestions for very good home-made solutions. The following information should be considered a starting point because environmental conditions (humidity, dust, etc.) can affect the life span of a bubble. Experiment with the recipes to suit your needs. Plus, a solution that works well for small artistic sculptures may not always work as well for bigger bubbles. Try these:

WHAT YOU WILL NEED 1 Gallon Distilled Water Available at most pharmacies and supermarkets Non-Ultra/Classic Dawn Original Scent* 18oz. (see below for other choices)* Glycerin - small bottle Found in the skin care section of most pharmacies A Mixing Bucket Measuring Cup 1 Tablespoon measure Large Plastic Stirring Spoon YOU MAY NEED: Mr. Bubbles from Tootsie Toy [not the bubble bath!] For making advanced formulations *Other Detergent Choices: Alternate Detergent Choices include Non-Ultra/Classic Joy or Ajax Dish Detergent. Currently dominating the shelves are "Ultra" versions of many different name brands. The best of the Ultra versions is currently "Dawn Complete". However, I suggest you use a "Non-Ultra/Classic" version for the best bubbling. I’ve made note on using Ultra products in the formula if you absolutely must use Ultra products.

Bubble Formula #1 For general blowing and popping fun Step 1 Into your Mixing bucket add the entire gallon of Distilled Water. Step 2 Stirring SLOWLY so as not to make lather, add in 12 oz. of Non-Ultra/Classic Dawn Original Scent (or 9 oz. of Ultra Dish detergent if necessary). Step 3 Stir in 3 Tablespoons (1 oz) of Glycerin (6 tablespoons if using Ultra detergent). Bubble Formula #2 For more successful bigger bubbles Same as Formula #1 only add 40-60 ounces of quality commercial bubble solution. The best is Mr. Bubbles from Tootsie Toy [not the bubble bath!]. As a second choice try Super Miracle Bubbles. Use Pustifix or Gazillion Bubbles if you don’t mind paying a lot more for them. They both work very, very well when added to my home-made mix. Bubble Formula #3 For longer lasting small sculptures; probably too 'heavy' for big bubbles Same as #2 only add 4 ounces more Detergent (2 ounces more "ultra" detergent) and 2-4 more Tablespoons Glycerin

Important Notes: Distilled water is strongly suggested because tap water (which is usually "hard" water) is not good for bubbles. Find distilled water at most pharmacies and supermarkets. Also, the more expensive dish soaps tend to work better. See notes in "What You’ll Need" above.

Glycerin [GLISS-er-inn] helps slow down the evaporation of water. Glycerin is not required on days of high humidity (50% or higher) because evaporation is slowed down naturally on humid days. Find glycerin in the skin care section of most pharmacies. It is perfectly safe to use but too much can make your formula too heavy.

Mix your solution well BUT if planning to use it soon avoid making a lot of foam. I strongly suggest very warm water for mixing. Store in a clean, sealed container. Only pour the amount you need and keep the rest covered so evaporation doesn't thicken your solution. It can be helpful but not necessary to let it sit 24 hours before using it. Do not store it below 60 degrees for long periods.

"When" and "Where" to bubble

HUMIDITY IS THE KEY. Even ordinary solutions will perform better in high humidity. Temperature is less important than humidity, but cold air tends to be less humid than warm air.

Great Conditions: Humidity 60% and higher. After a rain shower. Foggy days. Wet, sticky, muggy days.

Good Conditions: Humidity 30%-60%. Cloudy days. Shaded places. At dusk as the sun sets or at dawn when it’s rising. (The colors are deeper when the sun’s rays are at a low angle and diffused)

Fun Conditions: Near a pond, stream or just a big puddle to float bubbles! (Be environmentally friendly: limit the amount of bubbles onto the water and avoid spills into the water or soil). Near a warm house on a cool day - bubbles will rise with warmer air! Below 10 degrees Fahrenheit - to freeze the little ones!

Avoid: Humidity less than 30%. Direct sunlight. Dusty air. Strong breezes. Foamy build-up (skim it off). Non-detergent soaps such as bar soap - the wrong soaps will ruin your mix! Children and pets who want to pop every bubble you make.

Remember: Soap solution will sting your eyes. Soap solution is very slippery - avoid areas that might still be slippery long after you are gone. Never make bubbles near moving traffic. Soap solution can damage grass - dilute with water when finished.

HAVE FUN!!

Look for Mr. Carle’s Book "BubbleOlogy" With more than 30 Experiments on Bubble Science! Learn Many of the Tricks, Skills & Bubbly Art from His Show! Receive a discount through a link at www.bubblemania.com!

Commercial Bubble Mix: beeboo Big Bubble Mix - If you want BIG bubbles and don't mind spending more on a solution that is not made at home, I recommend beeboo big bubble mix and the bubble wands they sell for creating giant, strong bubbles outdoors with very little effort.