Last spring I was looking for an inexpensive way to decorate for Easter. My girls had just come home with their latest art project from school when the idea struck. A paper mache cracked egg! A simple craft that is inexpensive, festive and fun. It’s so easy, even your kiddo can help out!
Paper Mache Cracked Egg Directions
- Tear your paper strips. We tore newspaper into 1 inch wide strips. Make sure they are different lengths.
- Make your paste. There are several recipes but we used 1 part water to 1 part flour. Mix together until smooth. Add one teaspoon salt to discourage mold.
- Blow up balloons. We choose a variety of sizes. Large for a vase and small for a candy dish.
- Coat the strips. Dip the strips into the paste and run slowly between index and middle finger to remove excess paste.
- Apply strips to balloon. Start at the bottom of the balloon and continue to apply strips until slightly above the middle point. Be sure to slightly overlap strips. To create the look of a cracked egg make sure the top of the strips are jagged. The more layers you add the stronger the paper mache will be. We ended doing between 2-3 layers.
- Dry for 24 hours or until fully dried. I found drying the paper mache upside down (balloon knot facing down) in a bowl or vase worked best.
- Pop the balloon and paint. I used latex interior paint we had on hand. If I were to do this project again, I would have added a clear coat for extra protection.
I choose to use our paper mache cracked eggs as a vase holder. To do so find a vase that fits inside the paper mache. Create a floral arrangement (Trader Joe’s is my go to for flowers) and pop inside the paper mache. We had a few smaller cracked eggs that we used as candy dishes. For a fun reel on this craft head on over to Instagram to check it out.
I’m telling you this craft is so easy, even your kiddo can do it! And for more inspiration check out Reading My Tea Leaves for her take on a Easter paper mache craft. I may just have to try it! i
For Easter Basket inspiration check out my gift guide editions for 2022.
