DIY Crystal Geode Propagation Station

crystal__geode_template.pdf

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Watch the video tutorial HERE!

Here's how to make a fake but GORGEOUS mystical crystal geode with no actual crystals, no resin, and no molds. In fact, this project is mostly dollar-store foam board and hot glue sticks. 

I turned my geode into a plant propagation station, but you could use the same techniques to make a kick-ass book nook, magical fantasy miniatures, or epic tabletop gaming terrain!

Check out my previous tutorial for a deep dive into the techniques I used on this project. There's a complete supply list over there.

The template for the donut shape I demonstrate is a FREE DOWNLOAD. No need to stick to the template though - you can make a geode of almost any shape or size!

Following is a brief step-by-step, but I highly recommend you check out the video tutorial on my YouTube channel!

Trace your shape onto foam board and cut out six copies.

Use white glue to laminate all six shapes together in a stack.

When the glue is dry, use coarse sandpaper to even out the edges. Always protect yourself from sanding dust!

Apply a thin coat of spackle to the entire sculpture. Add some rocky texture if you want. When dry, sand slightly with a fine sandpaper.

Base coast the form with a couple coats of acrylic paint.

Wet-blend some lighter and brighter colours as show.

Let's make some crystals! Grab a transparent hot glue stick and cut off a chunk a few centimeters long.

Stand this cylinder on it's end and slice down the side to create your crystal's facet. Practice safe knife skills!

If you have trouble getting your blade through the hot glue, try heating the blade by holding it against your hot glue gun nozzle.

Working around the cylinder, shave down the sides so you have about six facets.

Carve one end into a point..

Your finished "crystal" should look something like this.

Make a bunch of crystals out of big glue sticks. If you're really careful, you can make them out of mini hot glue sticks too!

Use hot glue to create attach clusters of crystals to the interior of your geode. I'm working around some test tubes in this photo because, I'm turning my geode into a plant propagater.

I thought it needed a bit of contrast, so I painted a white line as shown. Check out some images of real geodes for inspo.

I used and old brush to stipple some dark paint onto what would be the rock surface on my geode. I like the texture this created.

If you want your crystals to be extra-shiny, apply a thick coat of glossy mod podge. When dry, you can enjoy your DIY dollar store geode!

For a more detailed description of each step, please check out the build video!