I saw a video this fall where Martha Stewart made a spider egg out of plaster, inside of a balloon. I did that, but thought how fun it would be to make them for Easter! Warning: They are fragile, like a real egg shell, so tread carefully!
You will need:
– Balloon – you can make them any size you want
– Plaster of Paris
– Water
– Empty water bottle(s)
– Bucket or tub of water
– Acrylic paint
– Varnish
– Resin (I used Easy Cast) – this step is optional, but helps give strength
– Ribbon
– Inexpensive balloon inflator
Here is the video tutorial:
Directions:
1. Fill two water bottles with one cup of plaster of Paris and to 1/2 cup of water. Adjust according to balloon size. I would do two full cups, if doing a large balloon.
2. Add water and shake around until fully mixed.
3. Take the balloon and put the open end over the mouth of the bottle. Invert the bottle and allow it to seep into the balloon and squeeze the bottle until you think you have most of it in the balloon.
4. Take the balloon off of the water bottle and take the pump. Insert the pump into the balloon and inflate the balloon to the size you desire. There will some leakage, so protect your work surface. Better yet, do it outsize!!
5. Tie the balloon and begin to shake and swirl the plaster in the balloon. Continue doing this until the plaster isn’t swirling around loose anymore. You need the entire inside of the balloon covered.
6. Set it into a tub of water or bucket. This will allow the balloon to keep its shape instead of becoming flat on one side if you put it down on a hard surface.
7. Look at your directions for how long the plaster of Paris you have takes to set up. Doesn’t hurt to let it sit overnight.
8. When set, carefully use a craft knife to cut open the balloon.
9. Now you have an egg to decorate!
If you want to see how I made the chick inside, see the attached video. If one of your eggs should break, it’s not the end of the world! If you have a hole, you can put something in it like the chick I made, or just put a light inside of it! Fun! Fun!
Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!!
Mona