How to Make Jewelry Boxes Out of Emu Eggs

Sturdy, beautifully colored Emu eggs are often used to make jewelry boxes and other handcarved works of art. Their durability makes them ideal for carving as they don't break easily. Here are a few simple steps for making your own Emu egg jewelry box for you to keep or give away as a special gift.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dremel tool with attachments
• Emu egg
• Hinge
• Base to hold the egg steady
• Paint (optional)
• Bleach
• Velvet

1. Blow out the egg yolk by drilling two holes into each end of the egg and blowing hard. Cut the Emu egg into two equal halves lengthwise with the Dremel then rinse and clean the egg shells.

2. Submerge the shells in bleach for about half an hour. This is important because poultry eggs can contain bacteria and viruses. Be sure to do this before beginning any work on the shell.

3. Rinse the eggs carefully with water, and fill with baking soda water to neutralize the bleach. Rinse again with water, and allow to dry overnight.

4. Filigree the shells with the Dremel if you like, or just leave them in their natural state.

5. Glue the Emu egg onto the base, and let dry.

6. Attach hinges to the shells carefully.

7. Cut out velvet to fit the interior of the egg, and glue into place. Your beautiful, one of a kind Emu egg jewelry box is now finished. Place it on your shelf with pride, or give to someone special.