Ingredients
- 2 clean, dry eggshells, opened into medium pieces about 1/2 to 1 inch wide
- 1 wood or heavy cardboard base, 3 to 4 inches across and at least 1/8 inch thick
- 2 fluid ounces white craft glue or decoupage medium
- 1 small bottle acrylic craft paint, 2 fluid ounces, in a dark base color
- 3 small bottles acrylic craft paint, 2 fluid ounces each, in two accent colors and one metallic color
- 1 small bottle water-based clear acrylic sealer, 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small flat paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 small detail paintbrush, about 1/8 inch wide
- 1 disposable paper plate, 9 inches across, for mixing and holding glue
- 1 shallow bowl, 4 to 6 inches wide, for sorting eggshell pieces
- 1 pair disposable nitrile or craft gloves, medium size (optional)
- 1 sheet sandpaper, 120 grit, about 3 by 6 inches
- 1 sheet sandpaper, 220 grit, about 3 by 6 inches
- 1 drop cloth or recycled paper grocery bag
- 1 cup clean water for rinsing brushes
- 4 paper towels, at least 8 by 12 inches each
- 1 wooden skewer, 6 inches long, for nudging shell pieces
Instructions
- Cover the table with a drop cloth or opened paper grocery bag.
- Rinse the two eggshells with warm water and remove any loose inner membrane. Let them air-dry completely.
- Smooth the edge of the base with 120 grit sandpaper, followed by 220 grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust.
- Paint the top and sides of the base with one thin coat of the dark base color. Let it dry for 30 minutes before applying a second coat.
- After the second coat, allow the base to dry for another 30 minutes. While waiting, break the dry eggshells into pieces.
- Arrange the shell pieces on the painted base without glue, starting with one larger piece at the center.
- Pour about 1 fluid ounce of white craft glue onto the paper plate. Brush a thin layer over a small area, press shells into it, and nudge them with the wooden skewer.
- Continue gluing until you have covered the top of the base with the glued shells.
- Allow the glued shells to dry for 1 hour.
- Paint the larger gaps and along some shell edges with the dark base color.
- Add the first accent color to the raised portions, letting some dark color remain visible.
- Add the second accent color and finish with the metallic color on selected ridges.
- Let the painted geode dry for 2 hours. Before sealing, ensure there is no tackiness.
- Brush on a thin coat of water-based clear acrylic sealer or use a spray sealer outdoors. Let the piece cure for 24 hours.
- Inspect the edges after curing and remove any loose glue strings. Rinse the brushes and wipe the work area.
Notes
Wear gloves while cleaning shells if you have sensitive skin. Keep shell fragments away from young children and pets, as edges can be sharp. Use a dust mask while sanding.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
