Measure out between 2-4 cups of water, and bring it to a rolling boil.
Measure out twice as much white granulated sugar as water you started with, keeping a 2:1 ratio of sugar to Water. For example, if you measured out 3 cups of water, add 6 cups of sugar.
Stir in the sugar SLOWLY until it is dissolved into the boiling water.
Pour the HOT water into a pyrex or mason jar, something that can handle that much water.
Tie the string around the pencil.
Tie string around paper clip. Optional.
Put string into water with pencil across top so that the pencil is out of the water.
Let sit covered and undisturbed for at least two days, allowing the crystals to form on the string and along the bottom of the container
Tips
For best results, a ratio of 1.5:1 or 2:1 Sugar to Water is best for forming crystals, depending on your altitude from sea level.
Warnings
Don't let children make these on their own, as boiling water is obviously hot and can burn them.
