Dinosaur Fossil From Eggshells!

I've been interested in homemade biomaterials for a while now and one of my favorites is this eggshel biocomposite. It looks and feels kind of like sedimentary stone, so I thought it would be perfect for a dinosaur fossil :)

• non hardening modelling clay
• sculpting tools
• oil or vaseline
• liquid latex
• starch

for the biomaterial:

• eggshells
• gelatin
• water
• salt
• glycerin

Cut off a rectangle piece from the modelling clay. This will be the base. Use a tool to sketch out the outlines of the dinosaur skeleton. Then use tiny rolled out pieces of clay to build up the shape. Using a flat tool or an X-acto knife add rocks and form the relief of the ground. Use a crumbled-up piece of aluminium foil to add texture to the ground and rocks

Cover the clay in a thin layer of oil or Vaseline to prevent sticking. Using a sponge or brush dab the liquid latex onto the sculpture, making sure it gets into all the crevices. Allow to dry then repeat adding on layers of latex until every area is covered in a thick layer. Allow to dry completely. I recommend leaving it longer than you think just to be sure. Dust the outside of the mould with starch to avoid the latex sticking to itself. Carefully remove the mould from the clay, and dust the outside with a small amount of starch.

Boil the eggshells with baking soda and salt to disinfect them. Allow to dry. Then use a mortar and pestle to grind the shells into a powder. Use a tea strainer to separate any large pieces.

Assemble:

• 100 g ground eggshells
• 20 g gelatin
• 50 ml water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1Tbsp glycerin

Mix the water and gelatine in a bowl. Allow the gelatine to soak for a few minutes. Then on the stove on a low heat, heat the mixture until the gelatine dissolves. Turn off the heat and mix in all the remaining ingredients.

To a mould dusted with starch quickly pour in the mixture. Let it set for 24 hours and then carefully remove it from the mould. And there you have it a dinosaur fossil made from eggshells 🦕