Paper Mache Eggs

[Jenxx]

Several years ago I made paper mache eggs for my children & grands instead of traditional Easter baskets.  I began with large inflated balloons, I covered them first with 2 layers of torn tissue paper pieces dipped in Mod Podge.  This was so the inside would look more finished.  Next I added several more layers of newspaper pieces.  After they dried, I deflated the balloons, filled & decorated them.  I filled & sealed the first 3 before decorating & designed the other 2 to remain open.  Sorry the photos aren't very good but it was before digital cameras---the grands are both in their teens now.



Cameron's bunny:  I painted it white & actually sprayed it with artificial snow.  A bit messy but, at the time, I didn't know of any other way to make it furry looking.  The ears & legs are cut from mat board & glued on.  If I were making them today, I'd use the sculpting snow & foam core board---much easier.

 

Jaycees quilted egg:  This is my favorite.  I Mod Podged pieces of fabric all over the egg & used a glitter glue to outline each piece go give it a quilted look.  The wide ribbon, tacked with hot glue, finished it.  Next time I'd paint it white first so the dark newspaper underneath wouldn't show thru.






Dena's flower trimmed egg:  Simple with the flowers & ribbons glued to the top but more elegant than some of the others.



Terri's lace trimmed egg:  I cut this in half horizontally & finished the edge with paper mache pieces before painting.  I carved the design into the top & painted on plenty of Mod Podge to smooth the openings.  I glued a narrow strip of posterboard around the inside of the bottom half to create an edge so the top would fit properly.  Both halves are trimmed with lace & the cutout design is edged with glitter glue.



Jeff's bunny face:  This is done the same as Terri's except that I used paper to make a hinge on the back so I could prop it halfway open with a dowel rod.  The rabbit face was a design I found in a craft book, enlarged & carved into the top half of the egg.  I also carved slits so I could thread the ribbon thru them.





We were able to use them more than once because we used a craft knife to cut a small opening in the bottom of the sealed eggs & extract the goodies.

[TheMistressT]

These are amazing; each and every one of them!  I don't have kids or grandkids, but I feel like I need to remember this anyway so I'm pinning (with credit).  Also, rocking it.

[alteredmommy]

Very cool idea, I love the pic of the giant egg next to the little cutie!  The quilted one is my favourite

[PeachieClean]

These would be awesome with little hinges and latches to make candy chests!  I bet you'd be able to just glue them on too...  These are really awesome!

[Jenxx]

Thanks ro you all.

alteredmommy That little cutie is now finishing her junior year of high school & is 5'9" tall with a size 11 foot.  That's how long ago I made the eggs.

PeachieClean I recall that I considered hinges at the time & think it would have worked but didn't have any on hand & was rushed to finish them at the last minute.  I think I would have had to screw/bolt & glue them on so they'd hold.   Instead, I just glued strips of paper across the seam & propped it with the dowel rod so it would dry in the position I wanted it. 

TheMistressT Age doesn't matter in this case. I made them for my ADULT daughters, SIL, & 2 grands.  They all enjoyed them.  Also, made in a smaller size, a basketful would present a delightful centerpiece for a table.  Just use smaller balloons.