Though it isn’t possible to completely control the outcome when swirling pigments together, creating color separation can be quite dramatic. The Advanced Egg “Orb” technique will increase your control and help you predict what your finished project will look like.

If possible, experiment with two or three test orbs or eggs. The goal is to understand how pigments disperse in the Simple Solution Medium and how much medium you are comfortable working with prior to attempting the advanced technique, so it is important to practice.

Materials

1. Clear glass orbs: Any Shape or Size
2. Primary Elements “Polished Pigments” Pure Color” ™
3. Primary Elements “Simple Solution Medium #2” ™
4. Primary Elements “Simple Solution Medium #3” ™
5. Primary Elements Polished Pigments “Pure Mica” Gold, Copper, Bronze™
6. Paper Towels
7. 4oz. salsa cups (The small plastic take-out cups available at restaurant supply stores)
   HINT: The 4oz. take out cup is a perfect cradle to hold your egg while working.
8. Newspaper or paper placemats (to completely cover the table)
9. Mini spoons
10. Alcohol (to clean ornament)
    Optional: Glitter
11. Smock and/or old clothes (pigments will stain, wear something old)

Step #1
Pour a small amount (1/4 - 1/2) tsp Simple Solution #2 into the bottom of Egg. Just enough to coat bottom half. Turn the egg isolating the solution in the bottom half of egg.

Note: If it appears just a little bit too wet you can add more “Pure Color” pigments and “Pure Mica” to finish. However, if you accidentally pour in too much medium, pick a side to pour Solution back into bottle (if you are using and ornament with a front and back, pour along the back or along the side, not the front).

Step #2
Choose 3-4 colors of Polished Pigments “Pure Color.” Begin by picking up a small amount of 1st color with mini scoop. While gently turning the ornament, drop color a few grains at a time into the ornament. Swirl or (very) gently tap the ball. Mini scoop will help control where you want your colors.

TIP: For added sparkle, drop a touch of glitter on an area covered only with Simple Solution before adding Polished Pigments. The effect is fabulous.

Step #3
Add 2nd color and swirl; then add a 3rd and 4th color if you like. It is your option to choose how many colors. Note: If you find the colors are not moving to your liking, pour (while directing where you want it) a few drops of the medium. The tiny scoop can also be used as a tool to add solution.

Step #5
Next we make our own paint in a 4oz. salsa cup. Mix equal parts of Solution #3 and a pigment of your choice. The thicker the paint mixture the faster it will dry. Pour in the hood of the egg using gravity to keep the color on the top. Your 4oz. cup is invaluable at this point. Turn the egg hood down to isolate color on top. It takes a bit of practice but you can use more than one color on the top of the egg.

Step #6
After the egg is completely dry (overnight) depending on the outcome you may choose to introduce more wet color OR fill in the backdrop with dry color. At this point “Pure Mica” is lightweight (static cling) and will cling to all open areas in the egg, add a scoop and shake well. Personally, the more crackling in the paint the better. Once the final pigments are shaken in the patterns the results will appear gorgeous.

TIP: Lighter shades of the “Pure Color” are lightweight (less pigment) and behave the same as the “Pure Mica.” Example: Pink Grapefruit, Wisteria, Apple Blossom, Kiwi, Stargazer, Guatemalan Green, and Lemon drop work wonderful just to name a few.

It is almost impossible to control and predict the outcome, so every ornament is unique. The beauty of this project is anyone can make a beautiful work of art. Recommended for ages 10 and older (without supervision) making orbs are fun for all ages. Word of caution, the pigment is very lightfast and can easily stain surfaces.