Making gum balls is a favorite pastime for kids of all ages because it makes chewing gum so much more fun. Fortunately, this isn't hard to do; The secret to success is learning the correct breathing technique and how to handle the gum in your mouth. Anyone can do this, it just takes a little practice.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Chewing Gum
Step 1. Buy some gum
You can buy them at sales located on virtually any street corner. For starters, choose the brand of gum that you prefer, but any one that has a bubble gum image on the package is usually a good choice.
- Some gums are stickier, making them harder to remove from the face when they break. Generally, if you chew them longer before blowing a ball, they don't get as sticky.
- Chewing gums with less sugar generally have a stronger gum base for making balls. Gum bases contain a long molecule that adds elasticity to gum. The exact amount will make the ideal texture for the balls.
- Avoid chewing old gum. In that case, it will be drier, harder and worse for making balls. Try using a new gum for best results.
Step 2. Chew some gum to start with, as chewing more than one doesn't necessarily mean there will be more balls
At this point, you're just learning how to make a ball, so you shouldn't exceed the amount of gum in your mouth. Unwrap a piece of gum and place it in your mouth.
Step 3. Chew the gum until it is soft and soft
Do this until most of the flavor and sugar are gone and it is very pliable (soft and easy to fold). This could take a few minutes, so be patient.
Don't wait too long, as after a long time, about 30 minutes, the gum will deteriorate, become harder and more crumbly, and will no longer serve
Part 2 of 2: Making a Gum Ball
Step 1. Use your tongue to roll the gum into a ball
Press it against the roof of your mouth as you work on the shape. There is no need to make a perfect circular shape, just make the gum compact.
Move the gum ball to position it just behind your front teeth. Then use your tongue to flatten it into a small, flat circle. The back of the front teeth will help to flatten the ball as you press it against them
Step 2. Push your tongue through the flattened gum
Then open your teeth a little and stick your tongue out of your mouth until it's covered with a thin, stretched layer of gum. However, try to do this very gently, as your tongue may pierce it. If that happens, just restart the whole process again. Keep practicing as this Step can be difficult.
Try practicing in front of a mirror to see when the tip of the gum is in the right position
Step 3. Blow air into the gum ball around the tongue
Do this gently until you can feel the air filling the gum, then start pushing it out of your mouth, forming a ball.
Many people make the mistake of blowing only with their lips instead of using a deeper blow. The lip blow isn't strong enough to produce a proper ball, so don't forget to put more energy into it. The proper way to blow a ball is to produce a deep breath, so use your diaphragm to force air and exhale
Step 4. Collect the tongue from the gum layer
Once air pressure begins to expand the gum, the tongue can be removed. The edges of the teeth will help hold the gum in place. Continue blowing slowly and steadily as the ball gradually expands.
Keep your mouth open. Resist the temptation to close your lips after withdrawing your tongue. Keeping your mouth open will give you more area to blow air into the ball
Step 5. Keep blowing as much as you can or until the ball pops
Give the ball slow, regular blows to gradually expand. See the maximum size it reaches before popping it.
To make bigger balls, blow balls inside. However, stay away from wind and cold or hot temperatures. Wind or cold draft can blow the ball early while warm air can make it so malleable that it will go limp
Step 6. Close the ball
Slowly bring your lips together to close it. Do this to prevent more air from getting into the ball, and it becomes bigger than you want, or also to prevent the air inside from escaping.
To avoid the mess of having a ball popping in your face, you can swallow the ball again and pop it with your tongue
Step 7. Practice is what makes perfect
You may not be successful on the first few tries, but that's all part of the fun. Just keep trying until it happens naturally and you feel comfortable. Making balls can take some getting used to the jaw, mouth and diaphragm. With practice the muscles will strengthen and the process will become easier.