Hikaru Dorodango - Shiny Mud Balls | DIY | EcoArt | Dirt

I'm an artist that loves working with dirt and clay, most of the work I create uses it in some form or another so I was delighted to discover many years back this wonderful Japanese craze of making shiny mud balls. I regularly return to making them in my studio as a 'warm up' or a way of just zoning out for a bit before focusing on my other work. This is a very amateur video I did for the wonderful Isolation Art School (on Instagram) when the the Uk was put in it's first lockdown in March 2020. Making these Hikaru Dorodango's is a great way to reconnect with the earth, it's almost meditative in practice and is a wonderful activity for anyone of any age to try. Good luck :)
Should you wish to see my other work, I'm over on Instagram / emma_saffy_wilson_

[@pragmaticpundit7703]

Honestly a criminally underrated video for how well you present the tutorial, thanks.

[@saffy8857]

Thank you 🙏🏽 I haven’t a clue about creating slick KZbin vids (as you can probably tell from my one handed filming at the beginning 😂) But it was a fun thing to do during the madness of lockdown 🙌🏼

[@zerowastecalifornia]

I second this!

[@saffy8857]

@@zerowastecalifornia thank you 🙏🏽

[@12345678maylin]

I've created my first Dorodango yesterday and yeah, a bit obsessed with it LOL, So at least now I know I'm not crazy. Your tutorial is so easy to follow, I will defiantly be using it to create more. Thank you so much ❤

[@saffy8857]

So good to hear! Thank you and well done with the making 🙂

[@mangoesrgreat1799]

‘Go play with some mud’, just entering uni and this healed my inner child lol, I am in fact playing with mud while making a decoration for my dorm

[@saffy8857]

@@mangoesrgreat1799 awww I love that 🤎 Thank you for sharing and wishing you lots of happiness at uni 🙏🏽

[@chickymiki2010]

I want to say thank you for this video. I've watched hours of tutorials and I keep coming back to yours. It's the one I share when I tell people about dorodango.

[@saffy8857]

Aw that's so lovely of you, thank you. I hope you're having fun making them :)

[@gatocles99]

It is just a mud ball... but it is more profound and spiritual than most works of art. And priceless. nice.

[@saffy8857]

Couldn't agree more. The whole process from digging, drying, sieving to the actual making is so meditative and I'm fascinated by the 'value' of them. I've made these with young and old, and I always love seeing how people treat them like they're the most precious things they've ever owned! 🙂

[@corator98k97]

It’s not accually priceless sometimes they could sell for around 100$

[@gatocles99]

@@corator98k97 Sure.. ones made in china.

[@tannermosher3295]

Hey Saffy, great video! Not sure if you knew, but to help with making a more consistent sphere shape, once you take it out of the bag, you can use a mason jar to smooth the damp ball, and while spreading the dry dirt aswell, i find it helps with a more smooth texture as well

[@saffy8857]

Hey 👋🏼 Thanks for your message. Yes, I’ve used a jar to help polish it before but didn’t know it helps with the sphere shape 😀 Thank you, always good to hear people’s different experiences 🙏🏽

[@thomashovgaard3134]

@@saffy8857 The jar is solely for making the sphere as it grinds tiny bits off in a circular movement. The polish is a neat side-effect

[@pinkeye6803]

I love this video, no special tools, just dirt, water, a bag and a cloth. I have seen multiple videos, read multiple guides (even bought a book aimed at "beginners"), and every single video or guide had extra steps that just complicated it or felt unnecesary, and just really demotivated me to even start. I am gonna make my first one using this video. Thanks for keeping it simple.

[@saffy8857]

@@pinkeye6803 Thank you so much for your lovely comments 🙏🏽 Yes, there are so many different approaches to making Dorodango and like you say, some stages can seem unnecessarily complicated. When I posted this on insta during lockdown I got lots of lovely messages from people who had successfully made a shiny mud ball using this method, so I really hope it works for you too 🙏🏽 let me know how you get on 🟤

[@pinkeye6803]

@@saffy8857 You're welcome! I tried to make one a few days ago. But sadly I think I used the wrong dirt, it had a clay concentration of 0.0%. Turns out my garden has a layer of normal garden soil which has very little clay because plants do not like that, and we have a root blanket (no idea how to translate this Wortel doek), it helps against weed growing. I now have properly dug down about 30-40 CM's and its now drying for my second attempt! Wish me luck!

[@saffy8857]

@@pinkeye6803 aw that’s a shame, what happened to it when you were making it? My soil has no clay content, it’s really sandy as I’m in a coastal area. Any soils should work, but hopefully by digging down it will be more manageable. Good luck! 🙏🏽

[@tylerj50]

This is the most helpful Doradongo video I’ve watched I will give it a try!

[@saffy8857]

Good luck! You will love your Dorodango no matter how it turns out :)

[@tylerj50]

Yes it turned out great! I have a question though about the process, how long should I be polishing the dorodango for including the fine dust part? Thanks!

[@saffy8857]

@@tylerj50 Great to hear! You can just keep going on the polishing bit, you kind of get to a 'sense' of when to stop. You can also use the top of a glass bottle or jar to polish it too. To be honest, once you've got to the fine dust part you can't really go wrong. It will shine!

[@ruthlobner8114]

@@saffy8857 Unfortunately, it can go wrong. On my first piece, I tried the glass bottle method (which I had been looking forward to all the time) and then the surface began to flake off. Tiny bits at first, but it got worse as I (stupidly) kept going. It has an interesting effect though (and my mom loves it anyways), but it's not exactly what I wanted. And the worst thing is that I don't know what I did wrong. My second try has just reached the ready-to-polish-stage, I will not let a glass bottle get near my dorodango!

[@saffy8857]

@@ruthlobner8114 oh nooooo. It was probably a ludicrous thing to suggest it can’t go wrong! I have several with worn away flaked off areas, which like your mum, I still love anyway. I just love how different they all turn out 🟤 But yes, polish the way that feels right for you, I only really use my hands too.

[@AnthonyFrancisJones]

Lovely video! Thanks for this. I will be making one with my 5 year old son!

[@saffy8857]

How lovely! I love the idea your 5yr old son will be getting his hands dirty! Let me know how you both get on. Most of all, enjoy :)

[@zerowastecalifornia]

This was so interesting! I had never heard of this before today. Great tutorial!

[@akongas]

Love it!! Gonna try this with the kids!! Thank you

[@saffy8857]

Hope they have fun playing with mud (and you!)

[@airstreamwanderings3683]

The instruction was very helpful plus I like your casual authentic style. Cheers

[@xXEliteTNCXx]

Thank you for this nice video. I wish you all the best

[@xrom.mebel0]

You made it very well and i am sure that you will make it and live a comfortable life🤗🥰

[@turbojohnny1483]

This is one of the best tutorials on youtube to be honest!

[@saffy8857]

As I clearly have zero skills in making a video, that is very lovely to read, thank you 🙏🏽

[@utoherozv]

I'm on my fourth ball at the moment and after this I'm really excited to start on my fifth. Your video was very clear and easy to follow, thank you! :D

[@saffy8857]

I'm so pleased to read this! They're such wonderful things to make aren't they :)

[@zaquedavis3391]

By far the best tutorial!

[@julietcumpatescu2056]

this is SUCH a good dorodango video.... and I've watched a fair few...... thank you!!! Just off to start one

[@matthewtriviski6149]

This is the best video I have seen for this.

[@saffy8857]

@@matthewtriviski6149 Thank you 🙏🏽

[@F.B.l]

10:36 mythBusters actually did polish a turd this way 😂😂

[@saffy8857]

@@F.B.l 🤣

[@JulianMakes]

Great tutorial thanks,

[@kennetik61]

Love it!

[@raene_daize7834]

Love how easy this video is to follow compared to other ones. We’re making Dorodangos for our final in my soils. The only problem I’m having is getting them polished. It seems like no matter now long I try they aren’t shiny

[@saffy8857]

Thanks so much for your comment. What are you using to polish them? I definitely find thin tights (or pantyhose as often known as!) really good for polishing. Another thing you could try is a glass jar. Take off the lid of an empty jar and use the lip of the jar to gently make circular motions all over the dorodango. Good luck! Keep me posted :)

[@raene_daize7834]

@@saffy8857 Thanks for the reply! I was using a microfiber cloth, but did end up switching to a glass bottle after doing some more research. This worked a bit better although it was splotchy. I’m going to keep trying and try to get it down because I enjoy making these

[@saffy8857]

@@raene_daize7834 Warning they're addictive! It takes a few attempts to get them super shiny but you'll definitely get there :)

[@barnabyvonrudal1]

Interesting, definitely keen to try! Do you keep your doradongos?

[@saffy8857]

Hi @@barnabyvonrudal1 I keep some of my favourites, I've sold a few, I've given some away and I also enjoy watching them return back to the earth 🟤 Give them a go!

[@wearenaturew.a.n6063]

Keep up the good work 🙏❤️

[@saffy8857]

Thank you x

[@panos2468]

A question. I would like to make one such ball but aren't these balls braking into pieces if, for example, fall down from a table? And then all your effort is lost, or are they strong enough to survive a random fall? Thanks.

[@saffy8857]

Hey 👋🏼 Yes they are likely to break if they are dropped but I can almost guarantee if you make one you will look after it and treasure it so much you won’t let it fall! If it does fall, it’s a good lesson about the impermanence of life 🙏🏽🟤

[@gemo6856]

Therapy ❤

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

What is the point though?!?

[@saffy8857]

@@TsetsiStoyanova hey 👋🏼 I can only speak for myself, making a Hikari Dorodango is like a form of meditation and the process of transforming dirt into a polished, beautiful object feels almost magical, like a kind of alchemy. It takes time, patience, and dedication and there's something deeply rewarding about creating for the sake of creating. It also taps into the joy of playing with mud as a child, ‘playing’ being the operative word here that many don’t get a chance to do that often. There’s also the added benefit of happy hormones being released when getting my hands in soil. Mycobacterium vaccae in the soil triggers the release of serotonin in our body! So all in all, it just makes me happy 😊

[@Zirboman]

Will a Dorodango have a time after wich they will start to crumble ? I can anticipate it's more about the process of making them than the durability but I'm curious

[@saffy8857]

Hi Roberto, if kept indoors they'll last forever! They slowly deteriorate if left outside, you're right though, the process is where it's at but it's lovely to have one to admire and hold too :)

[@TheFlompio]

Hello, does anyone know how much time this mudball Dorodango takes from stat to finish? Loved the video!!

[@saffy8857]

Hey 👋🏼 Glad you enjoyed it. You can make a Dorodango start to finish in one day (if mud is already dry) Just take your time, keep leaving it for 1/2hr (or longer if you want) and keep repeating steps. By the end of the day your mud ball will be shining, if it’s dried out sufficiently. I often do the last polish the next day but it’s possible same day. I’m thinking of doing a live online workshop in the not too distant future where we all make one together. If you head over to instagram, I can keep you posted it you’re interested. Good luck with your making 🙏🏽

[@ruthlobner8114]

Hey Saffy, thank you so much for this video! It is by far the best tutorial on KZbin, I am so glad I finally found it, after so many others have left me with more questions than answers. I have just started making dorodangos (and I don't think I'll ever gonna stop). I use soil from molehills, by the way, because there are so many advantages to it: you don't have to dig, the soil is accessible even when it's frozen, it contains very few stones, leaves etc. Plus, from the color of the molehill you can judge the quality of the soil: the yellowish ones will contain a lot of clay, whereas the dark brown ones are "purer". It's an amazing activity, perfect to calm your mind (and hands) when things get stressy. And I feel an immediate connection to guys like you, because, well - not everyone polishes their molehills, do they? ;) Thanks again for sharing!

[@saffy8857]

Love this message so much 🙏🏽 The mole hill idea is inspired! I love that, it makes so much sense. Glad to be connected to a kindred spirit 💫

[@ruthlobner8114]

@@saffy8857 🥰

[@paopaothemaocow]

is clay an essential material to make dorodango?

[@saffy8857]

Hi there, no, not at all. I've made dorodango's from very sandy soil, in fact most of the ones I've made haven't had much clay content in at all, any dirt will do!

[@paopaothemaocow]

@@saffy8857 Oh, thank you!

[@ShadowDragon4342]

I am sorry to say but you got your facts wrong on how long they have been around i think you better re check that information because its been around for thousands of years in Japan, not just 20 or so

[@saffy8857]

Please don’t apologise! I’d love to know more, if you have any handy links 🙏🏽 I was referring to when they gained popularity and recognition due the study that was conducted on them. Fascinated to hear they’ve been around for thousands of years. Look forward to discovering more. Thanks 😊

[@F.B.l]

I made one and i had it pretty shiny untill i seen a chip in it and i tryed to fix it and when i tryed to polish it out i accidentally broke it 😭

[@F.B.l]

I was woring on it for 2 weeks to make it perfect

[@saffy8857]

@@F.B.l awww I know that feeling well 🥺 It can easily happen and it feels horrible. It’s always a fascinating reminder though, how attached we get to a small handful of dirt and the value we place on it. I hope you make another one 🙏🏽

[@tonyclams1955]

Can you do this with potting soil?

[@saffy8857]

Oooh I don't know?! I reckon both shop bought compost soil and potting soil will have their challenges. Potting soil is likely to have perlite, vermiculite in etc but that might be sieved out ok leaving the fine soil which is more suitable, however I feel it might be too 'airy' and not structured enough. That said, it might work! Only one way to find out ;) ... Let me know if you do!

[@jamesvan2201]

"No monetary value".....I've seen them being sold online for anywhere from 80-150 bucks...

[@briancofield5947]

You mentioned they paint them I was wondering how they get the painted ones polished I seen blue and green ones just did not know how they get them to shine like that.

[@saffy8857]

Hi Brian. It might be they've added certain pigments into the mud to make them that colour? They could've also painted them then varnished over? Without seeing them it's hard to say.

[@chickymiki2010]

I add colored mica powder during the last coat of fine dust. The kind used in resin art or soap making. Graphite powder that you use to lubricate key holes is great too.

[@emmajoul3474]

​@@chickymiki2010❤

[@melissabf29]

Mine is t getting shiny just grainy

[@saffy8857]

Did you sieve it? Sometimes really grainy mud can end up with a grainy surface, although eventually parts do shine. It does take a little practice for sure, I still have the occasional one just crack and fall apart, but I hope no matter how yours turns out you can still see the beauty in it :)

[@emmajoul3746]

How do u dry the mud before making it

[@tannermosher3295]

Put the mud you dig in a tray, then set it out in the sun. Go shift the dirt around every couple hours to make sure it drys thoroughly, once dry your ready to work :)

[@emmajoul3746]

Mines shiny and patchy and crumbly why

[@saffy8857]

Hi Emma, firstly I should reassure you this is quite common, I still get shiny ones that have patches where chunks have come off. I grow to love them as I think they look like mini universes. It's highly likely that the outside is drying, and therefore shrinking, quicker than the inside is. It's important to keep the process up of 'sweating' them in the plastic bags to draw out the moisture from the inside, they might need a bit longer to allow the inside core to dry. Hope that helps.

[@precidesmartinez1368]

Do you fire them?

[@saffy8857]

Hello Precides, no they are not fired 🟤

[@psicofisiooficial5228]

I love it. I want to do mine. How longe does It taken to be done?

[@saffy8857]

I've made them in a day, or I've placed in a bag and come back to them the next day or over several days. You have to be patient with them, let them rest between each step. Good luck!

[@psicofisiooficial5228]

@@saffy8857 thank tou a Lot !!! I Will try!!

[@xrom.mebel0]

I olsa

[@emmajoul3746]

How do u dry it

[@saffy8857]

If you go through the process of putting it in the bag to rest, the inside slowly dries out, then eventually with all the polishing it will just dry out. Good luck!