Here is a favorite Easter craft of mine. I made my first paper mache Easter egg diorama scene when I was in elementary school. I then made them with my kids when they were in elementary school. I just love these eggs! Not only are they bright and cheery, but they also have their own little world inside of them. I filled mine with Easter grass and little chicks.

Supplies:

• a small balloon
• string or yarn (it will be thrown out so nothing fancy)
• newspaper
• scissors
• masking tape
• x-acto knife
• glue (Elmer’s school glue)
• old disposable container (a large yogurt container would work well)
• a plastic spoon (to stir glue mixture)
• white copy paper (a couple sheets or so)
• tissue paper in various colors
• ribbon
• Easter grass
• Chicks or small animals to put inside

To make one….

• Blow-up one small balloon and tie a string around the tied-off end. Tape this string on the edge of a table and let the balloon fall over the edge.
• Under the balloon (on the floor) lay out newspaper to collect the mess that will occur.
• In a disposable container, pour glue and mix with water to make a thin paste. (Add water a bit at a time so it doesn’t get too thin.)
• Cut strips of tissue paper in various colors, sizes.
• Cut strips of white copy paper. (Some people use newspaper…I think the colors are better over white.)
• Dip a strip of tissue paper in glue mixture. Run it between the sides of two fingers to squeegee off the glue. The strips should not be dripping in glue.
• Stick this strip onto the balloon and rub in place.
• Repeat until egg is covered.
• Dip the white paper in glue and repeat in same method. (This layer will make the egg stronger.)
• Dip the tissue paper in glue and repeat in same method for the third and final layer.
• Clean-up and let the egg hang to dry over-night.
• Next day….draw an oval for the opening and cut with an x-acto knife. The balloon should be deflated and can be pulled out at this point. Where the tied-off part of the balloon was should be a small hole. Fold a ribbon in half and tie a knot in at the end of the ribbon and thread through to make a hanger.
• Wad up tiny bits of tissue paper and dip in glue/water mixture and push into place around opening.

Voila!

Now be creative and make a little scene inside the egg. Stuff some grass in and add animals, etc…

Happy Creating and Happy Easter!