Instructions for Carving Emu Eggs

Emu eggs have different colored layers to their shells.

Emu egg carving is an Australian aboriginal art that creates a connection with the animal kingdom and the land. These eggs have three distinctly colored layers. A green outer layer changes to teal and then to white. The layers create natural color changes and become part of the design as you carve the emu egg. Plan your design to incorporate these color changes to your best advantage.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• 3/8-inch diamond tipped drill bit
• Wooden skewer stick
• Bowl
• Bleach
• Ear syringe
• Dust mask
• White glue
• White pencil
• Engraving tool
• Razor blade knife
• Triangle file

Instructions

1. Clean the eggs out and prepare them for use three to four months after they are laid.

2. Drill a 3/8-inch hole in one end of the egg with a diamond bit. Regular bits can create cracks that break while carving.

3. Poke into the egg with a wooden skewer to break the yolk.

4. Shake or blow the egg contents out into a bowl.

5. Mix a 25-percent bleach solution with water to remove the lining of the egg.

6. Use an ear syringe to inject this solution into the egg for a few minutes. This will remove the egg lining. Wear a mask to avoid the fumes.

7. Rinse the inside of the egg thoroughly. Do not allow any of the bleach solution to remain on the green outside shell or it will discolor it over time.

8. Mix a 50/50 solution of white glue and water to strengthen and coat the inside of the egg. Make several coatings of this mix on the inside of the egg.

9. Draw the design for your carving on the outside of the shell with a white pencil.

10. Carve the design with an engraving tool. Apply more pressure to reach the white inner layer and incorporate the color changes into your design.

11. Engrave from the outside of your design to the center.

12. Use a razor knife and triangular file to refine your design as you work. Keep pressure light to start all cuts.

13. Scrutinize your progress and color variations as you proceed and adjust your carving according to the design possibilities.

Tips & Warnings

• Rest the emu egg on a gravel-filled sock to help hold it while you are carving.

• Work under a lighted magnifying lamp to improve your precision cuts.

• An air-powered dentist's drill can also be used for carving, or you can simply scratch away areas with hand tools.

• Sandpaper and steel wool can also be employed to achieve different textures.

• Using high-speed tools on emu shell creates fine dust and small particles. Keep this dust out of your lungs and eyes while carving. Wear eye goggles and a mask or plexiglass face shield. You may also want to wear ear plugs to protect yourself from the electric tool noise.

References

• Mother Earth News: The Original Guide to Living Wisely: The Happy Homesteader: Sculpting Emu Eggs: The Color is in the Shell
• Eggsquisit: Egg Carving and Tool Suppliers
• Outback Bush Art & Craft: Genuine Outback Craft