Ingredients
- 3 paper mache eggs, 3 inches tall each
- 2 fluid ounces of matte acrylic craft paint in a light base color
- 1 fluid ounce of matte acrylic craft paint in a second color for details
- 1 tablespoon of fine mica flakes, in one or two colors
- 2 tablespoons of small natural craft stones or glass pebbles, no larger than 1/4 inch
- 2 tablespoons of water-based craft glue
- 1 small detail paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 medium flat paintbrush, about 1/2 inch wide
- 1 craft knife with a sharp blade
- 1 self-healing cutting mat, 12 inches by 18 inches
- 1 pencil
- 1 small mixing cup, 4 fluid ounces
- 1 disposable wooden craft stick, 4 inches long
- 1 sheet of 220 grit sandpaper, cut into a 2 inch by 2 inch piece
- 1 plastic or paper table covering, at least 24 inches by 36 inches
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile gloves, optional but helpful for glue
- 1 small soft cloth, 8 inches by 8 inches, for cleanup
Instructions
- Cover your table first with the plastic or paper covering, then place the cutting mat in the center.
- Set the three paper mache eggs on the table and check them for loose fibers or raised seams. Smooth only the roughest spots with the 220 grit sandpaper, using a light touch.
- Use the pencil to draw one irregular oval on the front of each egg, about 1 inch long and 3/4 inch wide, leaving at least 3/4 inch of shell around every edge.
- Paint the first thin coat of your base color over each egg, including the area around the pencil outline.
- Allow the first coat to dry for 2 to 3 hours.
- Apply the second thin coat of base paint, using the medium brush on broad areas and the detail brush near the pencil lines.
- Let the second coat dry for 2 hours, then gently trace the pencil outline again if paint has hidden it.
- Place the egg on the cutting mat and cut toward the mat, making several shallow passes.
- Lift out the paper piece from each opening and smooth any fuzzy edge with the small sandpaper piece.
- Mix the 2 tablespoons of craft glue in the small cup with the wooden stick. Brush a thin layer inside each opening.
- Sprinkle the mica flakes into each opening first, then place the small stones and glass pebbles over them.
- Use the second paint color to add a few short marks around the opening, following the shape.
- Set the eggs on a clean piece of paper and let them dry for 12 hours.
Notes
Keep the craft knife on the cutting mat and cut away from your body and hands. Children can help with painting and placing the stones, but an adult should handle the blade.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
