Easter Eggs for Home Decor

By H. Iacobacci-Miller

Easter is almost upon us and people are setting up their pastel Easter Egg Trees and bunny rabbits. The kids are begging for chocolates and egg dying kits. Easter Egg Dying has come a long way though and is no longer just for the youngsters. With these Easter Egg Decorating tips, you can create stylish eggs to decorate with year round. All you need is a little time and creativity.

Blown Eggs - tired of boiling eggs and having them cracked and rotting weeks later - try blowing the eggs and they'll last forever.

• Make a small hole with a needle at either end of the egg. It is important to make sure that you pierce the yolk. I found that a needle was far too small. I used the needle to start the holes and then inserted a finishing nail to widen them. A toothpick would probably work just as well - but do use the needle to start the hole and then gentle work in the nail or toothpick.

• Place your mouth over one end and blow gently until all the contents are out. Please note: The USDA notes that since some raw eggs may contain salmonella, it is important to caution when blowing out eggs. Only use eggs that have been kept refrigerated and are uncracked. Wash the egg in hot water and rinse in a solution of one tspn chlorine bleach per half cup of water and then rinse well in warm water to kill any bacteria that may be on the surface of the egg.

• If you have problems with the eggs, try using Styrofoam or cardboard instead.

Decoupage

What you will need:

For this, you can use art tissue paper, napkins, copied photos and more.
Mod Podge or diluted white glue
Paint brush or sponge brush
Wood skewers (to use for drying)
Eggs - blown, Styrofoam or cardboard - your choice
½" findings to cover holes at ends (optional)
clear coat or varnish (optional for a shiny look)

• Cut or tear small pieces of art tissue paper and adhere to eggs with Mod Podge or diluted white glue.

• For overlapping - brush glue on the stuck-on pieces, then add more pieces, overlapping as you go.

• If using small shapes or designs, paint the Mod Podge on theobject and stick to egg.

• Finally seal the finished egg with two or three coats of Mod Podge.

• For a shiny finish, apply clear coat. Findings can be attached if tissue did not overlap to cover holes or just to add a more finished look.

Remember, you can usethe traditional pastel colors and designs for Easter, or you can decorate your eggs to match your home décor. Try using toile napkins and place your eggs in a ceramic bowl or use metallic tissue paper for an industrial feel and present them in a stainless steel or brass bowl.

Wax Resist Dyed

What you will need:

Dye - either pre-packaged or make your own with vinegar and food coloring.
Blown eggs
Wax piece - you can use the wax crayon that comes with most egg dye kits or a
sharpened candle stub.

• Now the fun part - Dye your eggs. If using your own dye, add one teaspoon of vinegar to 1/2 cup boiling water and add 20 drops of the desired color. Remember, be creative, mix colors to create stunning shades of teal, oranges or deeper greens. Be patient and let your eggs dry completely.
• To make your patterns - draw on your dyed egg with your wax.
• Now re-dye your eggs in another color.
• For more complex design, just repeat the process.

Antique Crackle - Here's one you might not have thought of - but looks great!

What you will need:

Eggs
Decoupage medium
Crackle finish kit
Acrylic craft paint, brown
Wood skewers (to use for drying eggs)
Sponge brush
Appliqué glue
Clear glue
Matt varnish (optional)
½" findings to cover holes at ends (optional)

This process can be completed on decoupaged or dyed eggs.

• Cover egg with two coats of acrylic decoupage medium and let dry completely.
• Cover egg with a generous coat of crackle medium - following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Mix 3 tablespoons of clear-drying craft glue with 1 tspn brown acrylic paint and a small amount of water. Note: The mixture should have the consistency of heavy cream.
• Brush mixture onto egg with smooth, generous strokes. Be careful to brush not to overlap strokes.
• Set aside to dry and crackle.
• When dry, apply a coat of matt varnish, if desired. You can add finding, ribbons or flowers to finish off your egg.

With these fun ideas, you can display your eggs on an Easter Egg Tree or display year round in a ceramic bowl or large vase.