You can create Faberge-style Easter eggs simply, and yet they can look most elaborate, depending on the individual’s own creativity. There is no limit to what one can do with this craft.
Egg Decoration:
The Faberge egg goes back over a century, and with a new awakening of this old craft comes modern methods for decoration which enables an easier approach to cutting, gluing and so on. Like a lot of craft activities, egg decoration can be expensive, but only as far as you want it to be. It is always wise to try the most simple and inexpensive methods. If you have an affinity with the craft then the sky’s the limit.
Numerous types of cuts can be used, some very intricate; here we have a very basic hen/goose egg, simple cut. The simplest cut can look fabulous depending on how beads, braid and colour are applied.
Materials:
- Hen/Goose Egg
- Clear or pearlescent nail polish
- Acrylic paint
- Beads
- Silky fabric
- Velvet ribbon
- Braid
- Small hinges
- White glue
- Epoxy glue
- Small drill
- Cocktail sticks
- Antiseptic solution
- Rubber bands
- Cutting tool
Preparation
- Wash the egg in antiseptic solution and drill a hole at the top and bottom of the egg. Spear into the hole with a cocktail stick, this breaks the yolk. Blow the egg contents into a bowl. Submerge the empty shell into the antiseptic solution making sure it is clean inside. Rinse the egg well under water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Place a wide rubber band halfway around the egg. This is the guide for your cut. Mark this with a pencil and mark another line through the cutting line; this is your guide marker when the two halves are put back together again.
- Using the cutting tool, very gently moved back and forth until the egg shell begins to come apart, the shell is held gently as it is vulnerable.
- Paint the egg shape or cover completely with fabric. Adhesive tape is used to mask out the hinge area. Place the egg halves over a container, a base colour is painted then a clear or pearlescent nail polish is applied, allow to dry between applications, this gives a hardening body to the shell.
Applying Silky Fabric and Hinges
The silky fabric can now be applied.
- Cut in an oval shape and with a cocktail stick,
- Apply white glue around the edge of the egg,
- Place the fabric inside the shell, pleating as you follow the contour of the egg, manipulate the fabric into position with the cocktail stick.
- This procedure requires patience: coaxing the fabric to make a pleated effect. Hinging must be done with precision so the egg will close properly. The hinge will need the corners bent slightly to allow for the curve of the shell (use small pliers).
- Place the two halves of the shell together with adhesive tape , mix a small portion of epoxy glue and apply some on each shell and the hinge. Place it carefully in position and leave overnight to dry.
Decoration
This is the most exciting part: the actual decoration and allowing the imagination to open up as the braids, beads, glitter, velvet ribbon or whatever is applied. A small porcelain bird can be glued to the top of the (hen) shell and a miniature porcelain figure included inside the (goose) shell.
The Elegant Egg is enhanced when placed on a specialised stand.
Aileen McLeod - Art is a passion with Aileen with writing not far behind. She has always loved to paint/write and share her knowledge. Aileen has taught ...
