Hi andreae, The link above that tamahlee has posted for you has some very good instruction. Here's how I did mine: My DH and I have been working on three (3 coat)Spheres, so far so good although we did have a problem with the last one getting some cracks with the first coat - well lets start from the beginning. Blow up you ball(don't under or over inflate to much) place the ball on/in a very large (weighted) bowl/bucket, we used a 14"-16" plastic wallyworld beach ball. DH didn't think the crete would stick on this shiny of a surface so we put strips of fiber mesh tape on first this has a some what sticky surface (the proper way is to put your mud on first then press in the fiber mesh). I then added layer of "Fortified Thin-set Mortar"-this stuff is very sticky so if you plan to use this stuff use an old metal spatula to smooth it on. Then while still very tacky take your gloved hand and smooth the surface, a small foam paint brush works great also. Cover the ball with plastic wrap so it don't dry to quickly, as this will cause cracks. When it starts to look/feel dry lightly mist. Important keep damp. After 1-or 2 days you can carefully turn the ball over then do the other end. My DH thought for strength for the 2nd. coat to use a coat of Portland so this is what we did. Third coat the Thin-Set Mortar. We did plan to make only one, but the beach ball still in good shape, we made 3 lol. One for a fountain on bird-bath stand, one a mister/light on a short stand and the third one will be just a Sphere on a short post or basin. Still have some wet sanding to do on all three then must decide to paint, stain or leave as is. Even though the last one cracked some on the first upper half I was able to save by adding a light coat of the Thin-Set mix before this first (damaged)coat was completely dry. Wendy

Great set-up, Kristi! And a wonderful use for a product that almost has no use any longer, due to the ice dispensers on newer refrigerators! Looking good! I've tried the flotation method in water for seed starting, and I prefer to simply plant them directly into soil, though both methods work equally well. I make little slits in the soil and plop in a seed on its side... I'd say they get covered with a 1/4 inch of soil, or less. In other words, I barely cover them, but I make sure there's good soil to seed contact. For me, the trick is bottom heating with a pad made for the purpose of seed starting and cutting rooting. My flats of seeds are on a heat pad and under lights. Last spring, I started a flat of Hippeastrum seeds outdoors, and I placed in on the concrete pad in front of the garage. The flat got morning sun, and I had great germination and growth... by autumn, I was able to transplant the little seedlings into larger pots and bring them indoors. Thanks for sharing those photos, Kristi! Very helpful!

That's a great idea for glaces and pestos, which you tend to use in small quantities!

Yes, I can see how a few drops of clear food coloring might add some "je ne sais quoi." And Mitch, I would definitely toss the cubes you left out over night. By this time they will be full of paramecium. Just be sure to toss them in the sink, not the garbage can.