Use a digital scale to weigh to get as close to the correct amounts as possible. Break apart clumps that form in the powder so your ingredients mix thoroughly. Note that for some people, potassium chlorate can be hard to track down. Local science shops and pharmacies are a great place to start.
If adding the strontium nitrate makes the mixture too dry, add a pinch of your water-dextrin solution so that it regains a goopy texture.
Be sure to mix the ingredients well so they are evenly distributed. Again, add more water and dextrin if the mixture gets too dry.
10 inches (25 cm) is a good length for a stick, and is also the common length for kabob skewers. Make sure to leave at least 4 inches (10 cm) at the bottom for a handle.
Laying the sparklers flat on their side while they dry will work as well. Do not touch the mixture until it’s completely dry or it may come off the handle.
Before you begin, remember to check with your local laws first. In some areas, sparklers are illegal. Like with all fire hazards, exercise extreme caution. Hold your sparkler far from your body and face and be sure to extinguish it completely in water before setting it down anywhere.
Shape the aluminum foil so the opening is facing up, then set the mold aside.
Do not use a measuring cup meant for fluids, as the measurements will be different.
Make sure the ingredients are mixed thoroughly for the best results. Spread the mixture out evenly in the pan once it’s thoroughly mixed.
Continue stirring the mixture as the sugar melts and mixes with the potassium nitrate. You’ll probably notice it caramelize and turn brown.
Keep stirring the mixture as you remove it from the heat. For this bit, you’ll need to move quickly. The mixture will start hardening soon after it is removed from the heat, and you need to get it into your mold before it does.
If there’s enough left over you can always make another smoke bomb. Don’t touch the foil once the mixture is inside, because it’ll be really hot.
Do not ignite the smoke bomb indoors or breath in the smoke it produces when lit. Be extremely careful when lighting the smoke bomb, as it may produce more smoke than you expected. Give yourself tons of open space!
The smoke bomb may not burn with a visible flame, but it’s still super important that you keep it away from flammable things—just in case. Do not hold the smoke bomb while it burns.
You can grind up table sugar in a coffee grinder if you don’t have any powdered sugar on deck.
Once you’re finished, the mound will look sort of like a donut. The depression should go all the way to the pan or plate in the center of the mound.
Pour enough on the sand to make it wet, but not to ruin the shape. This will be roughly 1 tablespoon of alcohol for every 1 cup of sand.
Congratulations, your glow snake is ready to be lit! Once the snake it lit, don’t add any more alcohol, as you’ll run the risk of igniting the bottle. And on that note, keep flammable goods (like your bottle!) far from your glow snake.
Step away from the glow snake as soon as its lit. Be careful where you light the glow snake. As it expands, it may grow larger than the plate you put it on! Looking for more firework fun? Check out these exciting guides on making homemade fire crackers and creating flash powder.
