How to Start Creating Egg Art

Beauty & the Bird Emu egg design by Dani Fausek

The history of decorating eggs goes back to pre-recorded time. All cultures have, at one time or another had a tradition of decorating and giving eggs as gifts. In the course of registering for an Egg Art Class, or just learning the basics, most instructors will ask that "Regular Egging Tools" or RET's are brought along. These are tools and supplies not generally supplied by the instructor for the class but should be a mainstay of any Egg Artist toolbox.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Aileen's Tacky Glue
• Modge Podge
• 2 part 5 minute epoxy
• Toothpicks
• Set of Tweezers
• Small sharp scissors
• Paintbrushes
• Ultra-fine Glitter
• Desk lamp or portable light
• Magnifying glass
• Table cover

1. Glue is essential to most Egg Art

   Different types of glue are used for accomplishing different effects in Egg Art. A beginner should have, at minimum, some Aileen's Tacky Glue (brown bottle), a bottle of Modge Podge, and a 2-part epoxy (a 5 minute set up time is best). The Tacky Glue is great as it is thick glue that helps in creating and placement of miniatures in dioramas. Modge Podge is the type of glue usually used in Decoupage. It also acts as a shell strengthener. Both of these dry clear and are water-soluble. The Epoxy is used to attach filigree and various jewels. It not only strengthens, but has an almost permanent hold, making it best when attaching tops and hangers to the eggs. It does not, however, dry clear becoming a pale yellow and therefore is used sparingly. An additional type of glue, Sobo for jewels, is excellent for attaching beads to eggs, as it is permanent, and dries clear.

2. Tools to have!

   Tools for each egg artist can vary and depend on the individual's preference. I've found, however, that the basic RET's usually include a set of tweezers, a small sharp scissor, toothpicks, and small paintbrushes. A set should include 4.75 Stainless Tweezer (precise straight points); 4.5" Reverse Action Tweezer (self-opening with fine smooth tips); 6.5" Bent Tip Tweezer (with serrated jaws) and 6.5" Tweezer. Also included in RET's should be a fine tip, very sharp scissor, used for trimming edgings, etc already glued to the egg. Many of these can be found in your local craft store, or online at Tooltron.com. A box of regular toothpicks and some inexpensive paint brushes complete this step

3. Ultra-fine glitter comes in many colors

   Ultra-Fine Dry Glitter has iridescent highlights and is used in many egg art projects. This can be found in many colors and with many highlights at your local craft store, most "egging" suppliers or online at www.nationalartcraft.com. Please note that glitter comes in many different sizes, the ultra-fine gives the best results.

4. In addition to the above, the egg artist usually has some kind of table covering that can be disposed of once it has been well used. A vinyl picnic tablecloth works great. Most "eggers" also include some kind of desk lamp for added illumination and/or a lighted table magnifying glass for detailed work.

5. A Beaded Goose Egg Jewel box & Paper Tole Diorama ornament

   No matter what kind of egg art you choose to create or class you wish to take, the above should be standard equipment in your toolbox. Whether Decoupage or Beading, Diorama or Paper tole/Bas-relief, the egg artist uses these tools at all levels.

Resources

• Tooltron - Tools
• National Art Craft - Glitter
• Wilmas Egg Art - Supplies
• International Egg Art Guild
• Alcraft Egg Artistry - Supplies & Tools