Ingredients
- 3 clean, dried chicken eggshell halves or large shell pieces, about 2 to 3 inches across when arranged
- 2 tablespoons white acrylic craft paint, in one or two colors
- 1 tablespoon white acrylic craft paint for the inside edges, optional
- 1 tablespoon clear-drying craft glue
- 1 tablespoon fine iridescent glitter or mica powder, nonmetallic
- 1/4 cup small craft crystals, glass chips or plastic decorative gems
- 1/4 cup larger craft crystals or clear acrylic gems
- 1 small paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 small detail brush, about 1/8 inch wide
- 1 wooden toothpick, for spreading glue in narrow openings
- 1 shallow paper plate or tray, about 8 inches wide
- 1 sheet wax paper, about 12 inches long
- 2 sheets newspaper or 1 reusable drop cloth, for protecting the table
- 1 pair disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves, optional for sensitive hands
- 1 small bowl of warm water, about 1 cup, for rinsing brushes
- 1 clean cotton cloth, about 12 inches square, for drying the shells
- 1 small lidded container, about 4 fluid ounces, for holding extra crystals
Instructions
- Cover your table with two sheets of newspaper or the reusable drop cloth before you set out the shells.
- Rinse the 3 eggshell halves or shell pieces with warm water, then let them air-dry completely.
- Arrange the shells on the wax paper with the openings facing upward.
- Use the 1/4-inch brush to paint the outside of each shell with a thin coat of acrylic paint.
- Wait about 15 minutes, then add a second thin coat if the first coat looks streaky.
- Use the 1/8-inch detail brush to paint the inside rim with the optional 1 tablespoon of white paint, or leave the shell natural.
- Let this paint dry for about 20 minutes before adding glue.
- Pour the 1 tablespoon of clear-drying craft glue into the narrowest part of each opening.
- Use the wooden toothpick to pull the glue across the inside surface in a thin layer.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of the 1 tablespoon of iridescent glitter or mica powder over the wet glue.
- Place the smaller crystals from the 1/4 cup into the glue first.
- Then add the larger crystals from the 1/4 cup near the outer edge, leaving a few gaps.
- Place each finished shell on the wax paper inside the shallow tray.
- Let the glue sit undisturbed for at least 1 hour, then leave the geodes in a dry room for a full 24 hours before handling them for display.
- After the drying time, brush away loose glitter with the dry 1/4-inch brush.
Notes
Children ages 6 and older can help with close adult supervision. Always check for sharp edges and manage the use of small crystals and glitter around younger kids.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
