A global field guide to design, (life)style and secret finds
est. 2007
  1. Wee DIY projects: Confetti and washi-tape Easter eggs

    Here are a couple of quick and relatively easy ways to decorate hand-blown eggs for Easter. I really wanted to avoid dyeing the eggs because I didn't want to fuss around with all the colour, and I also wanted to experiment with confetti. Have you noticed that confetti is everywhere at the moment? I've actually got a "wee trends" draft post about confetti that's been sitting in my folder for over 12 months. So it's a trend that's not going away any time soon. In the meantime, head over to gorgeous Sydney shop Little Paper Lane's new blog and read their post about confetti - and while you're there, have a look at the delightful collection of stationery and paper-y goodness in the new online shop. But back to the eggs. Blowing the innards out of an egg is actually pretty disgusting (but mildly satisfying in manner similar to popping a pimple), and I had to rethink my good intentions of using the yolk for scrambled eggs (spittle-infused eggs isn't particularly desirable). But once you've got your eggs blown (check out this good how-to over on Kidspot), decorating them with confetti and washi-tape is a cinch. How to make confetti Easter eggs (1) There are a few confetti eggs doing the rounds over on Pinterest. Have a look here and here. But they're all eggs with confetti inside the eggs, ready for smashing on Easter Sunday. I wanted to see if I could decorate the outside of the egg with confetti. And the results weren't too bad. It was ridiculously easy, too, as far as Easter egg crafts are concerned. (2) You will need: * Blown, rinsed and dried eggs * Mod Podge (a water-based glue and sealant that's available from art/craft stores) * Confetti. Good GOD it's near impossible to find a box of the traditional stuff in Sydney. Nobody stocks it. Only fancy-pants foil confetti in various shapes and colours. But I finally managed to find boxes of the stuff at the little newsagent in Haberfield, which doubles as an excellent party supplies shop. Check it out if you're ever in need of pinatas, themed party-ware or party hats. Of course, you can always make your own confetti with a hole-punch and coloured tissue paper. * Medium-fine paint brush (3) Here's how: * Dip your paint brush in the mod podge and apply a thin layer to the outside of the egg. You might like to steady your egg on a skewer that's shoved into something secure - I used the holes in the toothpick jar. * Stick one piece of confetti at a time to your egg. Press down lightly to get rid of air bubbles and creases. Overlap some of the circles for a genuine confetti look - otherwise space them out for a polka-dots look. You can also paint over the confetti with the mod-podge to seal it, but some colours like red might run a little. * Leave to dry and then arrange in a bowl, or stuff them with glitter or confetti and smash them on Easter Day. If you want to hang them on an Easter tree, thread ribbon through the holes and tie a knot on the bottom of the egg. Here's a good tutorial on how to hang an Easter egg over on Kidspot. How to make washi tape eggs You will find a good tutorial on making washi tape eggs over on Family Circle. But here's my quick how-to: (1) You will need: * Blown, rinsed and dried eggs * Selection of washi tape (Japanese decorative masking tape) * Scissors (2) Here's how: * Cut small lengths of washi tape (no more than 2cm) and stick them on to the egg. Some patterns lend themselves to being placed at angles for a patchwork/herringbone effect. You could do a single layer of washi tape (3), but I went nuts and did several layers (4). I don't know if I recommend this or not. I was half-happy with the results. They're a tad rustic for my taste. But it's an easy way to decorate eggs and kids might enjoy it too. Are you decorating Easter eggs this year? What are you doing? And do you also find blowing out the contents of a raw egg disgustingly satisfying? After some edible Easter goodies? Check out the five new things I’m loving for Easter this year. Plus: The Top 10 design-led presents for Easter. The Top 10 Easter books for children. The best Easter presents for babies and kids. Want more Wee Birdy? You can find me most days on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.