Ferrofluid Display Piece

I've always been fascinated by ferrofluid! If you don't know what ferrofluid is, it's basically a liquid with metal in it, so it can be magnetized.

In this Instructables, you will learn how to make a centerpiece designed around this amazing substance.

• Ferrofluid (CMS MAGNETICS - (2oz Kit) Ferrofluid Science Experiment Kit for Education in Magnetism https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008H40LG4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) 
• Small Round Disc Magnets 100PCs
• Glass Spice Jars (TOBWOLF 12PCS 50ml / 1.7oz Glass Spice Jars, Transparent Spice Containers with Aluminum Lids, Seasoning Storage Bottle Spice Bottles, Glass Seasoning Jars for Home Kitchen, Outdoor Camping, Gardening)
• Optional Plastic test tubes (You can choose to use 12 more glass spice jars above instead. I bought the plastic one initially as I did not realize how bad the ferrofluid would stain the plastic) (BTSD-home 25x140mm(40ml) Plastic Test Tubes with Screw Caps for Gumball Candy Storage, Bath Salt Vials, Hot Cocoa Containers, Bridal Shower, Baby Shower, Wedding, Kids Birthday Party Favors（30 Pack）
• Optional: glitter
• Optional: decorative fake crystals
• Optional: 10cmx10cm self-adhesive mirror sheets for decoration
• Craft sticks with holes.
• 4-inch Lazy Susan Turntable Bearings, 5/16” Thick Swivel Plate.
• Black foamboard
• Cardboards
• 3 6” inch hoops, 3 10” hoops
• 6” plastic round flat lid (or you can make one yourself)
• 7” Plastic round takeout box lid
• Wood glue, nut & bolts

WARNING: Handle ferrofluid with caution. It can stain pretty much anything if you're not careful, so make sure not to spill it on anything. If you do, just use baby wipes to clean it up.

Saturate a cup of water with salt until no more salt can be dissolved. Fill a tube with the salt water first, then add ferrofluid. 

Add glitter and any decorations you want. Just know that they'll probably end up a more brownish color than what they currently are, as the ferrofluid is going to stain it.

Repeat this process for all the glass tubes.

The display will have alternating ferrofluid and decorative tubes, but you can substitute the decorative tubes for more ferrofluid tubes if you wish.

Fill plastic tubes with decorative fake crystals.

I used a 10” cardboard lid from a box of chocolates as the bottom. Alternatively, you can make one with a 10” cardboard circle and simply glue a rim around it.

Next, cut a 10” foam circle. 

Lay out the tubes evenly. In my case, I alternated the long decorative tubes and the ferrofluid tubes in a circle along the edge. 

Cut holes corresponding to each decorative tube. This way, as the decorative tube is longer, it can go through these holes and support the platform for ferrofluid tubes.  Cut out a 7” hole in the middle for the turning mechanism to go through.

Then cut the outside circle from the 7” plastic container box lid and glue it around.

Cut out another 10” foam circle. Again, cut out a 7” hole in the middle.

Cut two strips of one-side corrugated cardboard for decoration purposes (one for the lid and one for the bottom).

Spray paint everything black, including the three 10” hoops.

Assemble as shown when dry.

Connect the bottom piece and the 6” flat lid with the Lazy Susan's turntable bearing by aligning the center. 

Spray paint the 3 6” hoops silver.

Secure every two holed craft sticks as shown with screws/wood glue. Insert magnets in between the sticks, at the front, and behind.

Repeat this around the hoop with 8 pairs of craft sticks. Vary the heights of the magnets.

Decorate with mirrors as desired.

Secure the turning piece onto the 6” flat lid turning connection piece in the center.

Turning the center piece as shown, you should see your the "dancing" ferrofluid effect.

I cut some flowers from the garden. and now my center piece is ready for display!