Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Easter....Eggs!

I am skipping Valentines and going straight for Easter, lol.
I was looking for egg ideas and saw a photo of some braided eggs.
Of course I didn't bother to look at the instructions, I just jumped in, as usual.
I saw that they used plastic bottles, I decided plastic eggs were easier.

So, you can visit the link above or try and follow my abbreviated version. You do need to know how to braid with fabric and here you can find the instructions.
For my braids, I did not use any sewing, I just made braids with the strips, for larger braids, I hand turn.

The braids were about 30" long for the 3 " egg. I also kept braiding after I got my 30" to make another 30" for the next one, much easier than starting over. This is just a basic idea of how I did it, if you want to try it, you do need to know how to braid and get the hang of it as you go along.

For my eggs, I bought 3" plastic eggs and sanded the surface. You want your surface to be rough so that the braids don't slide and the glue adheres. I made my braids, similar to the tutorial, mine are a bit more raggy. To put them on the egg, I used ailenes tacky glue and lots of it, so it is messy. I started at the top and put the raw edge at the tip of the edge, then folded the braid over that, to hide the edge. Then I added glue to the next level and pressed my braid down, keeping it tight against the first row and continued down and around. When I get to the bottom, I start to flatten the braid down until I get to the bottom center. Cut off excess braid and glue it to center, making sure no egg is showing. You can add glue to the fabric to get the cut edge all pressed in and work it to keep it flat. It starts out wet with all the glue, but it is nice because you can hand press to reshape areas that seem off.

I realize that I need some more darker colors for contrast. I didn't want to use my good homespuns so maybe I will hit jo anns and buy some cheaper homespun there;)



Here is a close look. The first one came out better, the other two I rushed and made smaller braids, so they were stiffer and more ragged. That is one thing I noticed, larger, softer braids are easier to get around the egg.


17 comments:

Linda said...

Me too. I'm headed right for the Easter decor.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Your eggs are adorable!

Jacque. said...

Neat idea, Deb!

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Neat! I've never seen anything like it before!
Courtney

moosecraft said...

Fabulous! These look GREAT! Maybe I can get some made over the weekend...

acorn hollow said...

Those are so sweet I may have to give them a try.
cathy

Joanne Lendaro said...

You are on a roll with the eggs! By the time Easter gets here you will have plenty to go around!

Joanne said...

Never saw these either! They are cool looking! Of course you didn't read the instructions! You are too funny!

HomeSpunPrims said...

Neat project Debbie! You are too funny about the directions. Your eggs came out super!

BumbleBeeLane said...

Your eggs look neat! Warm Blessings!~Amy

primitivebettys said...

Those are so cool! I'm putting out my Spring decorations this week too. :)

Anonymous said...

Don't forget St. Patricks! Thanks for sharing such a neat idea with us!

~Madalynne~ said...

You find the coolest projects! They look great!

Ruth said...

Great idea!

http://justalittleprimitive.blogspot.com said...

Hi Ya Debbie, I love the easter eggs how very creative. Really enjoy your blog. Hey we miss ya twfg. Len

Micki said...

I love the eggs. I always have one chocolate egg as a treat...can't wait!
Micki

Carrie P. said...

Two great posts about the eggs. those braided ones are very unique. Love the floral one.