Ideas for Painting Easter Eggs
Painting Easter eggs has long been a tradition in many families as the Easter holiday draws near. Many people simply dye the eggs these days, but painting them can be a fun and creative experience. There are a few simple steps you can take with household or craft supplies that can turn Easter eggs into miniature works of art.
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Prepare
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Make sure your eggs are hard-boiled white eggs, as the colors tend to stay truer when painted onto white eggs rather than brown. If you have any serving pieces meant for deviled eggs, set these out, along with empty egg cartons, as they are helpful for drying the eggs. Small plastic juice cups work well, too. Cover your work space with a large sheet of butcher's paper or a throwaway paper tablecloth. Put aprons over any clothing you don't want stained.
Craft paints work best, and may be purchased in small bottles at craft supply stores. Have a variety of brushes on hand. Use watercolors for very small children, as the mess will be far easier to clean up and the watercolors will easily come off hands and clothing.
Design
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Decide if your Easter egg will have an overall coat of base color, and paint that first. If you paint 1/2 of the egg, set it into the empty egg carton or deviled egg server to dry and then paint the second half, you will have less color running. Allow the base coat of the eggs to dry completely before proceeding with artistic details. About 1/2 hour for each side of the egg should be sufficient drying time.
Use a different brush for each color, or be sure to thoroughly wash and dry each brush in between colors. Craft paint washes out quite easily under warm running water. If using watercolors, provide a small cup of water for rinsing the brush in between colors.
Add artistic details like stripes, polka dots or Easter scenes using the same method you used for applying the base coat. Do 1/2 of the egg at a time; set it in the carton or egg tray to dry and then paint the other half.
You may also try sponge painting on your Easter eggs. This provides a mottled effect. Purchase craft sponges or cut up a new kitchen sponge into small pieces. Dip the sponge into the craft paint or watercolors and dab each color on the egg.
Some Variations
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If you want to create Easter eggs that are a little more unique, buy a block of paraffin at your grocery store. Mark places on the egg with the paraffin that you don't want painted. The paint won't adhere to the wax, and you'll have white egg shell showing through where you didn't paint, allowing a fun and colorful contrast.
Another option is to wrap rubber bands around the eggs and paint between the bands. Remove the rubber bands after the paint has dried for a fun striped effect.
For a tie-dyed effect, paint the eggs with craft paint and wipe the excess off with a dry paper towel after allowing the paint to sit on the egg for 2 or 3 minutes.
Be sure to store hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator and eat within two to three days of cooking.
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