String Egg Basket & Decorations

Fun Easter Craft!

String eggs are so much fun & easy to make!

You only need a few items:

• String ( cotton string or yarn )

• Elmers Glue

• Corn Starch

• Vaseline

• Balloons ( dollar tree balloons work great! )

• Rubber gloves if you don't want messy hands!

• Disposable shallow bowl or container

  
  

If making Egg Basket you will also need:

• Snips or heavy duty scissors

• Hot Glue Gun

• 3-4 inch Wooden Round or similar item (for the base)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Blow up your balloons to whatever size you want.

   TIP: if the balloon is too oval try stretching a bit first before blowing up OR try another balloon from the bag.

   
   

2. Apply Vaseline generously all over the balloon- this helps to keep string from sticking once dried.

   
   

3. Mix your slurry- in your container mix equal parts glue, water & cornstarch

   TIP: I use a plastic fork to mix slurry-helps blend the cornstarch in so its not lumpy. don't worry if your measurements are not exact, "eyeball it" and it will still work perfectly!

   
   

4. Take one end of your string and drape it into your container to soak in the slurry mixture. Begin at the knot of the balloon and wrap your string around it once. Then, wrap it down and back up the other side, crisscrossing all sides. Continue to wrap in various directions. NOTE: While wrapping your balloon, dip your string into the slurry and gently squeeze off the excess slurry with your fingers as you work.

   TIP: when starting your wrap and as you work make sure your string is under the knot of the balloon, just tug the knot upward every once in awhile to pop it above any string you have wrapped- this will make it easier to remove once dried.

   
   

5. Hang your string-wrapped balloon to dry by tying a piece of string around the balloon's knot and suspending it in a warm room to prevent the balloons from shrinking. Place some newspaper or a tray underneath to catch any drips as they dry.

   TIP: As they dry, excess slurry may accumulate at the bottom of the balloon. Lightly dab the bottom with a paper towel to prevent a dried glob from forming.

   
   

6. THE FUN PART! after you've let them dry 24-48 hrs. use a needle or sharp tool and POP your balloons!!!

   
   

   IF MAKING EGG BASKET CONTINUE:

   
   

7. For cutting the hole in your basket, I discovered that using tin snips is most effective. Use a light-colored marker to draw your hole for accuracy.

   TIP: To maintain a good structure when cutting a hole, keep in mind that the smaller the hole, the better the structure will be, depending on the amount of string used to create your egg.

   
   

8. To ensure the basket remains upright, use hot glue to secure it to a base. I used 3-inch wooden rounds, which are available at any craft store.

   TIP: apply hot glue to the center of your wooden round and place your egg on top. Hold it or prop it against a wall until the glue sets. Enjoy the process! Consider adding a large bow or ribbon to the top, or decorative butterflies to the outside.

   
   
   
   

   HAPPY EASTER!