Ingredients
- 6 clean eggshell halves, each about 2 inches tall (prepared from large eggs)
- 2 cups very warm water, about 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit
- 1 1/2 cups alum powder, food-grade or craft-grade
- 1/2 teaspoon pink liquid food coloring or water-based craft dye
- 1 tablespoon clear craft glue
- 1/4 cup alum powder for coating the shell interiors
- 1/2 cup pale pink acrylic paint (water-based)
- 1 small paintbrush, about 1/2 inch wide
- 1 narrow paintbrush, about 1/8 inch wide (for shell edges)
- 1 heat-safe glass measuring cup, 4-cup size
- 1 wooden craft stick or stainless steel spoon, 6 to 8 inches long
- 1 shallow tray, about 12 inches by 8 inches
- 6 small paper cups, 3-ounce size, to hold the shells upright
- 1 sheet wax paper, about 12 inches by 18 inches
- 1 pair nitrile or rubber gloves (optional)
- 1 pair safety glasses (recommended for children and careful pouring)
- 1 old towel or table covering, at least 2 feet by 3 feet
- 1 small bowl, 2-cup size, for discarded shell pieces
Instructions
- Cover the table with an old towel or other washable covering before you set out the materials.
- Rinse 6 eggshell halves with warm water and let them drain. Remove any thin inner membrane gently.
- Let the shells dry completely; place them upside down on a towel for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Put one eggshell half into each 3-ounce paper cup, with the open side facing up. Nestle the cups together on the shallow tray.
- Brush a thin layer of clear craft glue inside each shell using the narrow brush.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of the 1/4 cup alum powder into the glued shells and roll each shell carefully to coat the sides.
- Heat 2 cups of water until it feels very warm (about 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit) and pour it into the heat-safe measuring cup. Add 1/2 teaspoon pink coloring and stir until blended.
- Dissolve 1 1/2 cups of alum powder slowly in the warm water, stirring after each addition until the mixture looks clear to lightly cloudy.
- Pour the warm solution into each shell, stopping about 1/4 inch below the rim.
- Place the tray somewhere level and out of direct sunlight for 24 to 48 hours.
- After 24 hours, check if the inside of a shell looks wet. If so, let it sit longer.
- Once dry, gently tap out loose grains, keeping the attached crystals.
- Brush a thin coat of pale pink acrylic paint over the outside of each shell and add a second coat if desired after the first coat dries.
Notes
Safety precautions should be taken when handling warm water and materials. Ensure children are supervised and keep the project area clean.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
