Host Cindy Piccoli demonstrates a unique, yet classic home decoration for Easter by making egg ornaments and hanging them on a small tree.
Materials:
1 or 2 dozen large or extra large eggs
several different colors of food coloring, white vinegar, or an Easter egg dyeing kit
different kinds of ribbon and rickrack and small silk flowers
hot glue gun and glue sticks
pearl tipped pins
branch of a tree
spray paint, if you want to paint the branch
base for the tree: basket or footed bowl
art plaster, masking tape and rocks will help make the tree stand on its own in the plaster
moss
rubber ear syringe (optional)
Steps:
To dye the eggs:
- Poke a hole into the bottom and top of the eggs using a small nail or a hatpin (you will probably need to make the hole in the bottom larger than the one in the top, and you can make it larger using a screw).
- Remove the inside of the egg, by blowing through the smaller hole (the egg will come out the larger hole) or with a rubber ear syringe. Rinse the shells, and let them dry.
- Boil 3 cups of water per color and remove from heat. Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 2 or 3 drops of food coloring, or use an egg dying kit according to the instructions.
- Put the eggshells in the dye, and leave them until they reach a desired color. Let the shells dry. Repeat for each different color.
For the tree:
- Choose a branch that will stand like a tree with several limbs from which to hang the eggs. Spray paint the branch any color you like.
- Mix art plaster, according to the instructions, in a plastic container, an old butter container works well. Place the trunk of the branch in the center of the plaster. You can make a grid out of masking tape to hold the branch in place while the plaster sets up, or you can put pebbles into the plaster to help the tree stand in place.
- Attach ribbons or rickrack around the eggs with the hot glue. You can cover the holes in the eggs with the ribbon or the silk flowers.
- Put a silk flower and a loop of ribbon on the end of the egg, and push them into place with the pearl tipped pin through one of the holes. Glue it into place.
- Hang the ornaments from the tree and enjoy.
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