Monday, April 18, 2011

Paper Mache Easter Eggs



Here is a batch of paper mache eggs I finished this weekend.

Paper mache is a good option for kids, the egg is virtually accident proof (no breakage) and are good keepers once sealed.






Don't let the paper mache scare you it is only 2 layers thick and will dry within 1 - 2 days especially if placed in a warm spot. (like above the radiator at school).


The Easter Bunny has been coming to our house for a number of years now and we seem to have a lot of these plastic eggs lying around.  They make the perfect base for our paper mache.

You can also use Styrofoam.  The mache makes these eggs a lot easier to paint.

You need some paper towel strips and white school glue.  I always use a glue water mix for paper mache as it is so strong you need fewer layers.

Mix up your glue mixture at about 1 part glue and 1 part water.
I work on wax paper and let the mache dry on wax paper so it doesn't stick.

Start covering your plastic egg.  Overlap at different directions forming a good layer or 2 of paper strips.

Every once and a while add a dry strip to soak up the excess, you can also mop up the drips with strips.





Set aside to dry in a warm spot and be sure to turn your eggs over once the top side is dry.





Once your eggs are dry you can paint them.  In preparation for painting you can cut a paper roll into some holders.  This will help hold your egg while drying to stop it rolling away.




Start painting.  I'm using acrylic craft paint but you can also use liquid tempera or poster paint.


Let the base coat dry.  I use foam plates as palettes. I know not the most environmentally friendly but I let the plate dry and use over and over again until it feels as heavy as a ceramic plate.


In between painting sessions I use another plate over top to keep my paints from drying out.



When dry add some more detail.




You then can add a coat of Mod Podge for a nice shiny finish.




That's it.

14 comments:

  1. Is all of that intricate design white paint? Wow! I am impressed. These eggs are gorgeous...

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  2. These are beautiful! I can't wait to try this :-)

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  3. Gail, I've passed on the Versatile blogger award your way. Hope you'll accept it, and pass it on.

    http://artcraftcart.blogspot.com/2011/04/versatile-blogger-award.html

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  4. these are so pretty! thanks again for the inspiration!!
    PEACE
    Jennifer

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  5. I've passed the Versatile Blogger Award to you.... check it out!

    http://art-paper-scissors.blogspot.com/2011/04/versatile-blogger-award.html

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  6. I hadn't realised this would be so simple. I love finding a new idea to craft with my boys.

    I guess you could also cut them in half to make gift boxes (maybe somehow hinge the lid?) or make a display and re-use the inner egg.

    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Aleta ღ

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  7. Oh Gail, these are simply beautiful! I totally love how they turned out and have bookmarked the tutorial for next year!

    Do I see a little Pysanky influence in the designs?

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  8. I love this! How did you add all that wonderful detail?

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  9. They are beautiful but couldnt we just paint the foam eggs?

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  10. These are really lovely paper mache Easter eggs! A lot of arts and crafts enthusiasts will surely enjoy making one especially for the upcoming Easter Sunday. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Pinned! I have to try this!!! Your detail is amazing though!

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  12. I love these. I have a question. How do you do the intricate designs? Is it paint pens or scratch designs or other? Thanks

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  13. Hey anonymous,
    it's just paint and using small brushes. Glad you like them. Kids could easily use paint pens or sharpies for more control.

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  14. Gail I'm in highschool, year 8...
    I've chosen art as an elective for my elective subjects during year 9 next year, my art class are currently in the process of creating paper mache birds and my teacher used your tutorial, I was instantly drawn into your varieties of arts so I decided to do some more research at home on your website. I especially love the paper bag book idea, very creative and unique so I thought I might try it :) thanks so much for all the great ideas

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