How to Make an Easter Egg From String
Today's Easter baskets are often filled with the same old things like lots of candy and maybe a bunny, chicken or lamb toy. Those searching for something unique might want to try making something of their own to add to the basket. One good idea is an egg that can be made from string or twine.
Things You'll Need
- Balloon
- String or twine
- Heavy starch or fabric stiffener
- Silk flowers and greenery
- Ribbon
- Hot glue gun with glue
- Sharp pin
- Wire cutters
Instructions
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Preparing for the Project
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1
Determine the type, size, and color of egg wanted. Type refers to how the egg will be used. It can be left whole or cut into to make a unique looking box. Size refers to how large the egg will be. This is determined by the size of balloon chosen for the design. Color is self-explanatory. Use white, beig, or brown string or pick heavy weight crochet twine that comes in a wide variety of colors.
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2
Make the necessary supply purchases. All of the needed items can be purchased at an arts and crafts store like Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Some discount department stores, like Wal-Mart, may also have the needed items.
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3
Cover the surface where you will make your egg with newspaper or tarp. Starch and fabric stiffener can be messy and once they harden, it may be difficult to remove them from furnishings.
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4
Mix the starch to be used according to the product's instructions and then pour it into a 9" by 9" baking dish or pan. If you are using fabric stiffener instead then just pour it from the bottle directly into the container.
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5
Blow up the balloon to the size of egg desired. It works best of the balloon size chosen is close to or exactly matches the desired size. Push the tied end of the balloon inside of it.
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6
Unwind several yards of the string or twine to be used. Don't attempt to unwind the entire thing or it will tangle and get knots that will take time to undo.
Making the Egg
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7
Holding the string or twine with both hands, pass it through the starch or fabric stiffener. Make sure that the entire thing is covered thoroughly. Soak between one-half and one yard at a time.
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8
Wind the string or twine around the balloon, changing directions with each pass.
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9
Continue soaking and winding the string or twine around the balloon until it is well covered. Try not to leave large open holes, The string or twine should be placed fairly close together or wound over in a separate pass.
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10
Set the egg aside until it is completely dry. It will generally take between eight and 23 hours. In the meantime, plan your floral arrangement for the egg's top, using the silk flowers and greenery chosen. Cut the flowers and greenery as needed to make it conform to the egg top.
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11
Use a sharp pin to pop the balloon inside of the egg once it is dry. Pull out the broken rubber and toss away.
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12
Cut the egg horizontally or vertically if desired. For a stronger egg, however, leave it in tact.
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13
Using a hot glue gun with glue, arrange the flowers and greenery onto the top of the egg as desired. Add ribbon to complete the look.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Common string or twine is perfect for a rustic looking egg.
Crochet twine offers a number of color options including ombred and variegated colors.
One regular size container of string or twine can make between two and five eggs depending upon their size.
Balloons smaller than 9" work best for this project.
Be careful working with hot glue guns and glue as carelessness may result in severe burns.
Keep starch and fabric stiffener out of the reach of children who may be tempted to eat it.
