Sunday, March 10, 2013

Easter / Spring Decor: Real Eggshells Under Glass

Eggshells Under Glass

Today was one of those days when a project just clicked for me. It started at breakfast when I remembered to save some eggshells. I keep meaning to try blowing some eggs out, but don't remember until usually right after I crack them into a bowl. Even though I forgot AGAIN, this time I decided to keep them broken just as they were and use them in this little Easter / Springtime vignette.

For this project you will need:
  • Egg shells ( I used the shells from 2 eggs)
  • Cheese cloche ( I found mine on a “Goodwill Thrift Hunting” trip)
  • Craft paints ( I used Martha Stewart Feldspar and Smoky Quartz Glitter)
  • “Nest materials” I used bark covered wire, coffee filters, and shredded crepe streamers)
  • Decorative paper to coordinate w/ your paints
Easter Cloche Vignette

Here are the basics of my project before I started. I painted the wood cheese board and the outside of the egg shells  with the Feldspar. While that was drying, I cut out a circle of decorative paper the same size as my board (I had this Japanese washi paper in my stash) and then tore around the edges. Once the paint was dry, I used Mod Podge to apply the paper to the wood.

Washi Decoupage

While the MP was drying, I “speckled” my egg shells using the Smoky Quartz glitter paint. Just kind of glop it on until your satisfied.

Martha Stewart Smoky Quartz Glitter Paint

I also went around the edge of the wood board with the Smoky Quartz.

While everything was drying I made my nest. I used bark covered wire I found in the floral section at Michaels and just kind of made a free form nest by loosely wrapping in in circles until I was satisfied then twisting the ends together.

Coffee Paper Filter Nest

I tore the centers from two natural coffee filters, scrunched them then tucked them into the “nest”. I also wanted some type of grass but didn’t have any and was too lazy to go outside and dig up moss. I grabbed a roll of crepe paper streamer from my stash, pulled out a length I didn’t measure, folded it and cut in strips. Crumpled then uncrumpled it. Now it’s time to assemble everything!

Speckled Eggs In Nest

I placed some of my streamer grass on the board then placed the nest in the center and added a couple of my painted egg shells. Positioned the others, and added some more crepe grass and then put the lid on. I didn’t glue it down so I’ll disassemble the whole thing when I put it away and if the eggs survive storage they do. If they don’t, they’ll be quick to re-create next year.

Speckled Eggs Nest

I added some bits of jute twine in the middle because birds use whatever they find to build nests right?

Butterfly Tag

I didn’t want to paint the top of the cloche but I felt it needed a little something so I covered a small manila tag with a scrao of leftover washi and kraft papers, added an eyelet and a butterfly charm. Tied the tag to the top of the cloche with plain cotton baker’s twine.

Easter Cloche

The funniest thing about this is Mr. C didn’t even bat an eye when he saw the eggshells drying by the sink after breakfast. You know how there's a meme "You know you're a crafter when..." We may need to start a new meme called “You know you’re married to a crafter when…”

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10 comments:

Our Hopeful Home said...

Carol, our husbands really need to get together! Love the "nest".

Unknown said...

I love how this turned out Carol! Such a pretty vignette for Spring. :)

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely gorgeous, what a fabulous creation. The delicate colors are perfect for the ever so delicate shells...
Jenna

Bobbie - Clumsy Crafter said...

Cute and a great idea! Plus I love the name of your blog. When I saw it on Facebook I thought it was sign from God. :)

SheilaG @ Plum Doodles said...

Your cloche is so pretty- I love the idea of painting the broken egg shells. Everything you put together looks just perfect in the cloche.

Danni@SiloHillFarm said...

Wow! I love all of the natural elements....so clever and pretty! You had some real vision with that breakfast! Great project!

Unknown said...

This is so cute - don't you love mod podge? I recently discovered it and now I'm addicted. You can make some really professional looking things with it!

Thanks for sharing.

-Vicky
http://veryvic.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

So pretty! I love the colors of the eggs!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! I need to save my eggshells now. Love the color combo!

Niki said...

What a great idea to use the shells...you made them look so pretty too.