EASTER EGGS

EASY PAPER MACHE EGGS FOR ALL AGES ~ 

Easter eggs are created out of balloons and paper mache.  The large eggs are from 20" balloons but are not blown up all the way, just far enough to get the egg shape, about 12".  10" balloons make a nice size egg for kids.  

Materials ~

Assorted balloons in different sizes, 8", 10", 12", 20", masking tape, torn newspaper strips, liquid starch for paper mache (or any paper mache recipe you like).  Gesso or any white acrylic paint for base coat, assorted acrylic colors plus white for mixing, paint brushes, assorted sizes.

For younger kids you can pre paint eggs in bright colors and give them sticky back foam shapes to stick on their egg (photos 2 and 3).  This works great for really young kids and for kids who are in the hospital or clinic as it is fun, easy and very neat.  For kids old enough to cut out their own shapes you can give them some extra foam and scissors. 

Paper Mache tips ~

Blow up some assorted sizes of balloons and stretch them a bit before blowing to help give them more of an egg shape.  You may have to try a few as some may be too round.  Use masking tape and tape down the balloon knot.  

To make eggs strong and smooth it's best to do 3 layers of paper mache and let each layer dry before applying the next.  This can take a few days (due to drying time) but it's worth it as eggs will be strong and smooth.  It just doesn't work as well trying to do 3 layers all at once.  Sometimes the balloon collapses or egg gets lumpy.

Painting ~

When eggs are dry, paint a coat of white paint for undercoat, I prefer Gesso but white acrylic paint works too.  You can paint eggs one solid color to start or just dive in and paint any way you like.  You can paint stripes of color (as shown in first picture) and then paint different designs in each stripe.  Try patterns like leaves, swirls and flowers.  Starting with big stripes can also be good for older kids as it gives them a place to start and a great big blank egg can be daunting.

FUN FOR ALL AGES!