Monday, February 28, 2011

How to Decorate Paper Mache Easter Eggs

This past week, I've been decorating a bunch of paper mache Easter eggs for my "Three Winners" giveaway. I like the look of all kinds of Easter eggs, so I used a variety of different techniques.

For foil Easter eggs, I mod podged some small torn up strips of tissue paper onto the paper mache eggs.

I let that completely dry and then started painting them. I also have metallic paint, so on some, I put a coat of metallic on top of the matte layer. I think they turned out pretty cool! They look just like those candy foil eggs.


For another look, I used some recently purchased alcohol inks. I used the technique from Tim Holtz and his Alcohol Ink Air Splatter video, using canned air. I couldn't wait to try this, but I didn't have any glossy cardstock. Then I got to thinking this might work on paper mache Easter eggs if I slick on two coats of Mod Podge Hard Finish. And it worked!


(Remember to make a "sproooossssssssssshhhhhhh" sound when the air is coming out of the can. Makes it super fun - lol)!

If you miss a spot with the hard finish, it'll make a little stain, though it's easily covered with a couple more layers of darker color:
You can also do this air spray technique on other things:

I have a star paper mache box that I have two coats of hard finish on. Just haven't had the time to do this technique on it yet. A word of warning: the canned air canister get can super cold if you're using it a lot. I let it rest about 10 or 20 minutes when it got that cold.

Another technique I tried was dry brushing some of the already painted and dried eggs. I also dabbed on for a more spotted look Made for some cool effects.
Then I tried light brush strokes, which made for some cute dashes of color:
Next, I watered down some black paint, dipped an old toothbrush in it and brushed all over some eggs for a "prim" (i.e., aged) look.

Now I have quite a wide variety of paper mache Easter eggs. I hope you enjoyed my tutorial and can create even more awesome eggs!

Linking up to the following fabulous link parties: Blue Cricket Design, Sky to My Lou, Designer Garden, and:
Patches of Pink
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And linking up to a Delightfully Decoupaged Party
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16 comments:

  1. Fowl Single FileMarch 1, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    I love the bright, vivid colors - some are even shiny!! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  2. Screaming SardineMarch 1, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Thanks, Megan. I think the shininess comes from the coats of the Mod Podge Hard Finish.

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  3. Kindra-At Home With KMarch 1, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    I too love the bright colors! My boys would get a kick out of these! Thanks so much for linking up today at Terrific Under Ten!

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  4. Screaming SardineMarch 1, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    Thanks, ladies! And thanks for hosting a link party, Kindra. :)

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  5. Humble HomemakerMarch 2, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Fun idea! I love paper mache but haven't done it for years. :) Thanks for sharing.
    Humble Homemaking

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  6. JustYolieMarch 3, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    Wow these turned out great!! Very creative. I found you through Patches of Pink linking party. I'm a new follower

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  7. Christine @ sugarandtrash.comMarch 4, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    Wow, I hadn't even had Easter on my horizon yet. Kudos to you for being prepared! These eggs are darling and very festive.

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  8. Screaming SardineMarch 4, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    Thanks so much. If any of you do some paper mache eggs, post pictures on your blogs please! I'd love to see them.

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  9. Emily CarterMarch 6, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Great idea! Thanks for linking up!

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  10. AnonymousMarch 6, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Love the dry brushing technique, so pretty! Thanks for linking them up!

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  11. Screaming SardineMarch 7, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    Thanks, ladies. I hope you can have making all kinds of creations with paper mache eggs. :)

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  12. UnknownMarch 9, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Thanks so much for linking up at Make Something Mondays! Can't wait to see your next project!

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  13. Screaming SardineMarch 9, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    Thank you, Sarah, for having a link party!

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  14. Christine @ sugarandtrash.comMarch 12, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    Hi, thanks for linking up with my Show and Share party! I featured your project, come check it out and grab a button. http://craftygeordi.blogspot.com/2011/03/show-and-share-showoffs-9.html

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  15. Santa's Gift Shoppe and IdeasMarch 14, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Hi
    Just wanted to let you know that I “ Featured” you on Santa’s Gift Shoppe Blog Hop today for your great project & inspiration! Be sure to grab the “I was featured” on Santa’s Gift Shoppe Button/Code for your sidebar! You deserve it! Thanks so much..If you’re not a follower already we’d love for you to join us...Have a WONDERFUL Week!!
    Barb

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  16. DebApril 22, 2011 at 12:27 AM

    Love them Tracy, they look so good sitting in my little stoneware bowl!! I didn't realize the one was made with the distress inks, will have to go watch that video because I love that egg! Thanks for sharing, Deb

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