DIY Geodes on Hallmark's Home and Family

Who doesn't love crystals? These beauties are made with borax, water, and pipe cleaners! It is really important to create a saturated solution with the borax to create a thick crystal. In order to make them look like geodes, I placed them in plaster and cement. I have the instructions for the plaster below. If you would like more information on how to use cement, click here!

Borax Crystals

Supplies:

Powdered Borax
Pipe cleaners (white, or the color of the crystal you want to make)
Heat safe containers like mason jars
Scissors
Thread
Pencil or food skewer
Food coloring
Water

Directions:

*Bring a pot of water to a boil

*Carefully pour the water into the mason jar or whatever container you are using, about 2/3 full

*Add in enough borax so that the water is saturated, and is unable to dissolve more

*Add in food coloring; the more you add the darker it will be

*Make a shape with one or more pipe cleaners and tie some string into the shape

*Attach the thread to the pencil or skewer so that the shape is hanging securely

*Place the shape into the water mixture making sure it is completely (be sure that the shape isn't touching the bottom of the container or it could stick and be difficult to get out)

*Cover and allow to sit for 24 hours

*Remove from container and allow to dry completely

Plaster Mold

Supplies:

plater of paris

water

mold; silicone molds are great, but plastic cups, boxes, etc. also work

NOTE: If you want to make your own mold, simply cut out a cardboard box in the shape you like and cover it with packing tape

plastic spoon or popsicle sticks, or something similar to stir with

Directions:

Follow the direction on the Plaster of Paris, but usually it is one part water to two parts plaster

Slowly mix the plaster into the water using the spoon to mix together