Making Polymer Geodes Sparkle – Part 2

Hopefully you have finished making the geode shapes as it’s time to put them over the top! This is not your ordinary way of working with polymer so the results are unlike any other; there’s a little magic in each middle. I’ll let you in on the secrets of Making Polymer Geodes Sparkle.

How Unique:

I will admit I am not a fan of glitter. I do not want to be a glue-gun-glitter-crafter type of artist. But let’s just use something that will give some reflective qualities. So let’s just call it geode dust… Instead of glue use some acrylic medium or varnish to wet the inside of the hollow only. Then sprinkle on the ‘geode dust’ Choose which kind/colour you like or even use a crystal dust.

Let throughly dry and then brush away any excess. It should only be attached in the inside thickness.

Here is what makes these geodes so unique. Ever since working with resin I love the crystal clear sparkle for all types of things and it works perfectly here.

Since these are stone like slices are flat it works well just to use some tape as a barrier to prevent leaking of the resin. Make sure it’s well adhered on the bottom edges.

The Answer is Clear:

Mix some clear resin as per instructions. Mix thoroughly but try not to ‘whip’ air into the mix.  I have used Alumilite in the past however it does slightly yellow over the years. As a way to embrace this colour shift add some ‘geode dust’ or some colour.

Making sure that the surface is level slowly fill the centres of your geodes. A tiny swirl of acrylic paint mixed into the resin will add more unique details. Flecks of ‘geode dust’ or silver/gold leaf adds another dimension. As the resin starts to thicken the swirls will stay put much easier.

Any surface air bubbles can be bursted by blowing at them with a straw or by using a quick pass with a mini-torch or lighter.

There will be some more finishing so the resin fill should reach the surface and possibly ‘dome’ slightly. Let it set completely and resist the urge of touching to check… Don’t ask me how I know that.

My goal for these Polymer Geodes is to make super smooth flat slices so a good wet sanding after curing will take out any small imperfections. Grits of 220 – 400 work well. Don’t worry about the outer edges as they should look rustic and rough.

Make it Shine:

With your imagination you may even embed some small details like shapes. See the tiny gold leaf heart in this one.

As a way of finishing that is less laborious than the many stages of sanding (as my Rustic Resin)I have used a clear finish that is water-based. To eliminate any brush marks and assure a super smooth finish make sure to puddle the varnish. It will need to dry slowly but it will self level quite nicely. Once dried to a high gloss you will now see into the ‘magical middle’ of your geode.

To finish them as pendants and other jewelry you may drill them and insert eye pins or make some… endless possibilities. Leather lacing, chain or cording works well. Make some marbled beads to couple up perfectly with these.

These statement piece pendants are great on long tunic tops.

The subtle qualities of the translucent clay, layers of colours and the crystal clear centre will make for a gem of no other. Well done!

I have a big heart… a stone one! Haha. I’m sure you can too.

Alright, while you are at it they seem to multiply! No two are alike! Check my store in case I have some to spare. My little way of spreading the sparkle joy!

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8 Comments

    1. Enjoy! It seems like I keep seeing geodes all over the place! Imagine going to a craft sale and seeing products for sale made with your own tutorial… yup!! ‘Happened to me, such a small world!

  1. I want to say thank you for sharing your masterpieces, I really enjoy. And thanks again for instructing others.

  2. I fell in love with your geodes when I first saw tgem! My sister is a rock collector and I just had to show her your beautiful work! Her response was ohhh I want one, I want one! She’s 60+ years young..
    My question to you is ,have you mixed acrylic paint in your resin? IF yes, did you mix it at the end after having mixed the hardener and epoxy, when.
    Thank you, please continue making and teaching us all how to replicate your gorgeous pieces.

    1. You can mix acrylic into the resin but the proportion should be less than 10% It will slightly take away the clarity since it is not clear. White can add a foggy type swirl. Best way is to try it in a test. It would be added when the resin is already mixed. Have fun!