Ingredients
- 1 unfinished papier-mâché egg, about 3 inches tall and 2 inches wide
- 1 sheet of 220 grit sandpaper, cut into a 3 inch square
- 1 sheet of white tissue paper, 12 inches by 12 inches
- 1 fluid ounce clear-drying craft glue, such as Elmer's
- 1 tablespoon water for thinning the glue
- 1 small synthetic round paintbrush, size 4 or similar
- 1 small flat synthetic paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 disposable mixing cup, 2 fluid ounces
- 1 wooden craft stick, 4 1/2 inches long
- 1 small pair of craft scissors, about 4 inches long
- 1 acrylic paint color for the base, 1 fluid ounce
- 1 acrylic paint color for the inner band, 1 fluid ounce
- 1 acrylic paint color for the crystal center, 1 fluid ounce
- 1 small bottle of white acrylic paint, 1 fluid ounce
- 1 small bottle of metallic acrylic paint, 1 fluid ounce, optional
- 1 piece of fine-grain white craft glitter, 1 teaspoon, optional
- 1 sheet of wax paper, 12 inches by 12 inches, for drying
- 1 cotton swab, 3 inches long, for tidying glue
- 1 paper towel, 11 inches by 11 inches
- 1 disposable table covering, at least 24 inches by 24 inches
- 1 pair of nitrile or household gloves, medium size
- 1 dust mask for sanding, adult size
Instructions
- Cover the table before you open the paint.
- Put on your gloves and dust mask, then lightly smooth the papier-mâché egg with 220 grit sandpaper.
- Decide where the geode opening will sit, sketch an uneven oval about 1 1/2 inches tall and 1 inch wide on the front.
- Cut along the drawn line with the small scissors.
- Mix 1 fluid ounce of clear-drying glue with 1 tablespoon of water in the disposable cup.
- Tear the tissue paper into about 12 pieces, each roughly 1 inch by 1 inch.
- Brush a thin layer of the glue mixture around the cut edge, press on one piece of tissue, and brush over it.
- Make the crystal center by crumpling 4 pieces of tissue into loose, angular folds and pressing them into the opening.
- Set the egg on wax paper and let the glued area dry for at least 4 hours.
- Paint one thin coat of your base color over the entire egg, including the tissue edge.
- Let the first paint coat dry for 4 hours. Add a second thin coat if necessary.
- Paint the inner band color around the opening, following the uneven shape with short strokes.
- Mix a small amount of the center color with a little white paint, tap this lighter shade onto the raised tissue folds.
- If using, dab a very small amount of metallic paint along the inner band and center ridges. Add glitter if desired.
- Allow the painted egg to dry overnight, or for at least 8 hours, before handling it.
Notes
This project suits children about 8 and older with close adult supervision, especially during cutting and sanding. Younger children can assist with safer tasks.
- Cook Time: 100 minutes
