Eggshells are known for their unique properties: they are strong enough to be used as a valuable source of calcium. However, the material received the greatest popularity in the creative environment.
Natural materials are widely used today for the manufacture of various souvenirs, toys, ornaments. In the photo of egg crafts, you can see how many ways there are decorative processing of eggshells.
Egg shell processing techniques
Eggshells are used in various directions of creativity, in a wide variety of variations:
- A whole, hollow egg. To create such blanks, you will need some skill and experience. Previously, craftsmen resorted to using a red-hot needle, which perforated one end of the egg. Today, the method has been greatly simplified.
- A hole is made at one pole, the tip of a needle is injected into the opposite pole. Under the pressure of air from the syringe, the egg white and yolk begin to flow out of the shell, and the rest of the internal fluid is dried faster under the influence of air.
- Broken eggshell. Egg shards can be used to decorate boxes, frames for photographs, for making original applications.
The shell of eggs is perfectly combined with other materials for creativity: paints, plasticine, glue. Immediately before starting the creative work, the shell should be prepared.
To remove the remaining film and possible microorganisms, you can use a soap solution, any disinfectant liquid, or apply boiling for 15 minutes.
After drying, the shells are laid out on a flat surface, and several times are carried out with a rolling pin over the material.
Material fastening methods
To create high-quality DIY egg crafts, the master needs to familiarize himself with the basic methods of attaching the eggshell to the surface of glass, plastic, cardboard or other base.
The most simplified method is used in creating egg crafts for children. The shell is fastened using plasticine.
Several other techniques are recommended for decorating complex products:
- With glue, you can attach broken shells to glass, plastic or ceramic surfaces. There is an important nuance of creative work - the underlying surface should be thoroughly degreased.
- The shell fragments are transferred to a number of surfaces using adhesive tape. Initially, the broken material is applied to the tape and then transferred to the glue.
Consumables can be fixed by hand, but this technique is the most time consuming, and requires perseverance from the master.
Original flower bed
Whole eggshells can be used to make a beautiful flower bed. To complete a similar task, you will need several eggs, a tray or other base (for example, stylish nests made of wire and thread), a large needle.
In small-volume shells, not many plants can grow, for example, succulents or lilies of the valley. Egg crafts master class:
- Eggs can be pre-cooked.
- The upper part, the so-called "cap", is carefully removed, and several holes are made with a large needle at the lower pole.
- The outer surface of such interesting flower beds can be pre-decorated with paints.
It remains only to put a layer of soil inside, and sow the seeds.
Decorating the box
The most popular among craftsmen is broken eggshell, which is perfectly attached to the underlying surface. Any fashionista will appreciate the beauty and style of an individual jewelry box or personal items. How to make an egg craft:
- Eggshells should be prepared in advance using any known technique (disinfection and film removal).
- To make the box, you need to prepare the base. It can be an ordinary cardboard or plastic box with a removable lid.
- A small amount of PVA glue is applied to the surface of the box, on top of which one piece of shell is attached.
- The next step is to lightly press a piece of material with a wooden stick so that a network of cracks appears on the shell. This approach gives the decor a realistic look and an unusually stylish design.
- After the formation of the mosaic, a thick layer of PVA glue is applied to the surface of the box, which is leveled with a brush.
The final stage of creative work is the opening of the finished product with acrylic paints and transparent varnish.
Eggshell carving
The eggshell carving technique has gained particular popularity today. This technique allows craftsmen to bring to life the most original ideas for egg crafts. It is not at all necessary to purchase expensive toolboxes to teach the skills of this art.
To work at home, you will need a miniature drill or thin cutters. Sometimes a scalpel is used to carve out tiny patterns on the surface of the shell. A set of acrylic paints, transparent varnish or nail polish will help to give an original design to the souvenir.
Step-by-step instructions for the master:
- The egg is freed from its contents in any known manner.
- The surface of the base is degreased with ethyl alcohol so that the pattern fits correctly on the shell.
- The selected sketch is applied using a pencil or carbon paper.
- Use a magnifying glass for better visibility. A soft cloth is preliminarily laid on the worktable so that an accidentally dropped egg is not covered with cracks.
With the help of cutters at high speeds, a pattern is cut out on the surface. All remaining irregularities and roughness are removed with a polishing stone. The finished craft is covered with layers of paint and acrylic varnish to give the item a stylish shine.
Photo of egg crafts
