Egg Art Instructions

Simple techniques are used to create complex designs on eggs.

Eggs provide a unique canvas for artists of all ages. Methods for dying and carving eggs come from all over the world and are rooted in traditions hundreds of years old. The biodegradable and fragile nature of these art installments limits their shelf life, so savor the creative process of making your own designs. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures for posterity.

Things You'll Need

• Large eggs
• Food coloring
• Wire rack
• Bleach
• Pin
• Water
• Spoon
• Plate
• Paper towels
• Plastic bowls
• Decorations (crayons, markers, paper, glitter and jewels)
• White glue
• Hard pencil (3H to 6H)
• Kistka and wax
• Candle
• Matches
• Newspaper
• Handpiece (dental drill)
• Burs

Instructions

Preparation

1. Soak eggs in a solution of one part bleach to 16 parts water (or 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water) for six hours. Add more time if the eggs are particularly stained.

2. Rinse one raw egg under cool, running water.

3. Punch a hole in the elongated tip of the egg with the pin. Use caution to ensure the egg is not crushed.

4. Turn the egg over and insert the pin into the wide end. Increase the size of the hole until it is 1/10 to 1/8 inch in diameter.

5. Hold the egg over a sink, with the end with the wider piercing facing the sink's interior. Place your lips over the elongated end of the egg.

6. Keep a tight seal between your lips and the surface of the egg. Blow to force the yolk out of the opposite end. Shake the egg lightly to break up the yolk and make it easier to force out.

7. Soak in the same bleach solution for three hours. Wipe with a damp paper towel and blow out the water. Place outdoors for 12 hours to dry.

Dying

1. Brush the surface of the egg with vinegar using a damp paper towel.

2. Mix 10 drops of food coloring with 1 cup of warm water. Stir with a spoon. Mix colors using a combination that equals 10 drops, such as one drop of red plus nine drops of yellow to create light orange, or prepare dyes according to the package.

3. Submerge the entire egg in dye to achieve a solid color or background color. Use a spoon to turn the egg and avoid over-coloring one section.

4. Fill a spoon with dye and place on a plate. Rest the egg on the spoon for one hour to create an intense oval of color. Rotate the egg and repeat with different colors and overlapping sections. Wipe excess dye off the egg surface to avoid drips while turning.

5. Add oil to dye for a marbling effect.

6. Wrap rubber bands around the egg, being careful to avoid excessive pressure on the surface. Submerge the egg in dye. Allow to dry and remove the rubber bands for a striped effect. Add color to banded areas with a second dying.

Pysanka

1. Choose a design. Incorporate no more than five colors, including white. For example, choose white, yellow, green, blue and black. Prepare all dyes and line up in order from lightest to darkest.

2. Pencil your design onto the clean, hollow egg. Use a light touch with a hard pencil, 3H or higher.

3. Dye the egg in the lightest color. Use a spoon to hold the egg, or thread a string through the egg or use a paper clip to hold the egg while it is dyed. Allow the egg to dry one hour or dab with paper towel to continue working right away.

4. Draw wax lines where the color should remain. Repeat the dying and waxing process until all colors have been applied.

5. Hold the egg near the warmth of a candle flame until the surface is shiny. Wipe gently with a soft cloth to remove the wax and reveal the design.

Carving

1. Pencil the design on the egg lightly.

2. Affix bur to handpiece. Purchase these drills and tips from online egg carving suppliers or directly from a dental retail outlet.

3. Hold the drill in your writing hand. Hold the egg in your other hand or on an indented foam bed.

4. Steady the egg and turn on the drill. Do not place fingers, cloth or other obstructions near the bur.

5. Carve the egg with the drill. Use a light touch, relying on the spinning of the drill to carve the hole. Do not try to force the bit through the shell as this will cause cracks and jagged edges. To remove a large section of the egg use a large bur and trace the outer edge.

6. Turn off the drill to remove pieces from the work area or to switch the bur. Unplug the drill when switching tips.

7. Soak carved egg in bleach bath for one to three hours. Leave outside for 12 hours to dry.

8. Finished carved eggs by gluing glitter, gems or other adornments. String eggs for hanging or place on egg stand for display.

Tips & Warnings

• Consumers are advised not to eat raw eggs. Use caution when clearing the inside of the egg. Do not allow young children to perform this procedure.

• Do not consume or inhale fumes from bleach solution. Wash hands after contact. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth. Do not allow children to perform this step.

• Use caution when working with an open flame. Prepare your work table and ensure all supplies are within easy reach. Keep a bucket of water nearby to douse flames or cool burns.

• Do not hold egg directly over flame.

References

• Kids Turn Central: Easter
• Learn Pysanky: The Basic Steps
• McCormick: Food Colors and Egg Dye
• YouTube: How To Carve A Goose Egg Christmas Ornament

Resources

• International Egg Art Guild: Welcome
• Egg Crazy: Egg Art Lessons And Instructions