How to Make a Hikaru Dorodango, or Shining Ball of Mud
Go through the dirt and remove any rocks, roots, and any other non-dirt materials., Take about half the dirt and slowly mix in the water., Take some of the mud in your hands and begin to shake it., While doing this begin to shape it into a sphere...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Go through the dirt and remove any rocks
Usually this can be done with a window screen or kitchen sifter. -
Step 2: and any other non-dirt materials.
The amount of water you use varies, but the mud should be thick, like dough.
Usually, you should have more dirt than water. , This gets out air bubbles and brings tiny clay like particles to the surface. ,,, Begin to sprinkle the dirt onto the soft ball of mud, and then smooth the surface/wipe some of the dirt off. , It should not crack. ,,, At this point you can just let it dry out, but if you want it to shine keep going. , Shake the Tupperware and fine dirt particles will stick to the sides.
Roll the Dorodango on this. , Then put it in another bag. ,,, When it gets smooth you can start rubbing faster and harder.
If you rub too much, you'll go though the layer of fine dirt; not enough, you don't polish it. -
Step 3: Take about half the dirt and slowly mix in the water.
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Step 4: Take some of the mud in your hands and begin to shake it.
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Step 5: While doing this begin to shape it into a sphere.
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Step 6: Repeat 3-4 until it begins to get tacky.
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Step 7: Hold the ball in one hand and dirt in the other.
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Step 8: Repeat step 6 until it starts to really hold its shape.
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Step 9: Put the ball in a plastic bag until water condenses on the bag then repeat 6 times.
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Step 10: Keep repeating steps 6 and 8 until it gets about as hard as leather.
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Step 11: Now you can put the ball in a fridge to accelerate the condensation and repeat 6 and 8 again.
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Step 12: Dry out the rest of the dirt
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Step 13: then put it in a Tupperware.
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Step 14: Repeat 11 until the dorodango feels powdery.
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Step 15: Repeat 11 as many times as you can
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Step 16: the more you do it the better your ball comes out.
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Step 17: Let it dry for at least 20 minutes.
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Step 18: Get a very soft cloth
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Step 19: and slowly begin to rub the dorodango.
Detailed Guide
Usually this can be done with a window screen or kitchen sifter.
The amount of water you use varies, but the mud should be thick, like dough.
Usually, you should have more dirt than water. , This gets out air bubbles and brings tiny clay like particles to the surface. ,,, Begin to sprinkle the dirt onto the soft ball of mud, and then smooth the surface/wipe some of the dirt off. , It should not crack. ,,, At this point you can just let it dry out, but if you want it to shine keep going. , Shake the Tupperware and fine dirt particles will stick to the sides.
Roll the Dorodango on this. , Then put it in another bag. ,,, When it gets smooth you can start rubbing faster and harder.
If you rub too much, you'll go though the layer of fine dirt; not enough, you don't polish it.
About the Author
Alice Foster
Brings years of experience writing about organization and related subjects.
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