Warning: This craft includes hot glue and use of scissors/knives. Children under 12 should not participate without parent supervision due to risk of burns and/or cuts.

Geodes can often be heavy, expensive, and sharp, making them unsuitable toys for younger children. This craft is a fun way for crystal lovers to create a safe and inexpensive version that is completely customizable.

Supplies

Hot Glue Gun
Clear glue sticks
Parchment paper
Small cup/container
Scissors/knife
Acrylic Paints (any color)
Black Glitter Glue
Gold Glitter Glue
Paint brushes
Cup of water
Paper Towels
Clear Nail Polish

Step 1: Step 1: Making the Crystals

Cut glue sticks into 1 inch pieces. Begin to cut chunks off of the edges in order to make crystal-like structures. There should be around 4 or 5 large crystals that will act as our main crystals. Also make sure to cut some smaller crystals with a less defined shape. These will be about 1/4 - 1/2 of an inch long and will act as a filler. Use the scraps from the previous crystals to make fine shavings. This will reduce waste and improve the quality of the geode. Cut slowly, carefully, and away from your hands/body to reduce risk of injury.

Step 2: Step 2: Mold for the Base

Make the mold for the base of the geode using parchment paper. Cut a square out of the paper and hold the middle of the paper in your left hand. With your right hand, fold it into a loose cone shape by bringing the corners towards the middle of the paper. The fold should look similar to what is shown above. Next, squeeze the paper in your hand to crinkle it a little, this gives it a more realistic looking base. Unfold the paper, place the square evenly into the cup, and press down the middle until it begins to take the shape of the cup. Fold the parchment paper over the edges of the cup to create a bowl shape.

Step 3: Step 3: Making the Base

Coat the parchment paper base in hot glue, making sure to stay within the edges of the cup. Begin with putting a ring of hot glue around the top edge of the bowl shape, letting it drip down into the center. Pick up the container and rotate as necessary. Continue applying hot glue on the inside until the paper is covered in an even layer or as close as possible. Let sit for at least 15 minutes until the hot glue has dried and cooled. A thicker layer will require more time to dry. For a faster drying time, place the entire cup and base mold into the refrigerator. After the hot glue has completely settled, check to make sure there are no holes in the base. Once the base has been checked, take it out of the cup and remove the parchment paper from the glue. Do not remove the parchment paper before the glue is completely dry or the geode will lose its round shape. Optional: to make it more realistic, trim the top edge of the geode to give it a rough shape.

Step 4: Step 4: Coloring and Arranging the Crystals

Use a light coat of your acrylic paints to color the bottom edge of the larger crystals. This will give the crystals their color. Make sure to dip your paint brush in the water and wipe it off on a paper towel after use. Arrange each painted crystal in the middle of the base, leaving just enough room for the small shavings to be placed in between. Then use a little hot glue to stick each large crystal onto the base. Place them at various angles to make the look more natural. For a more vibrant color, paint a light layer of paint on the base around the large crystals, however this step is optional. Next, add the medium crystal chunks around the larger crystals. Last, put some hot glue in the remaining space of the base. Then sprinkle the remaining smaller crystals on top of the hot glue.

Step 5: Step 5: Outside and Trim

Use a paintbrush to apply black glitter glue to the outside of the geode. The black glitter glue should not be applied on the edges or the crystals. For the shiny trim, use gold glitter glue around the edges of the geode. This should be a thin layer of glue that covers the entire edge. Make sure to dip your paint brush in the water and wipe it off on a paper towel after use. Optional: instead of glitter glue, try using gold/silver paint or gold/silver sand.

Step 6: Step 6: Clear Finish

Use clear nail polish and paint a thin layer over the entire geode. This will give it a shiny finish, while also adding an extra layer of protection over the materials. This step is optional, however if sand or glitter is used instead of paint, it is strongly recommended.