Doily Stenciled Eggs

I've been having lots of fun professionally these last couple of weeks. I've learned some new techniques and made things I look forward to sharing with you. I've also found myself leaning in an unexpected direction, a more unabashedly feminine style than I'm accustomed to. It feels good to explore that side of myself and appropriate for the season.

Along those lines, I thought I'd rework an egg design that I'd done for the cover of Woman's Day some time ago, but using a more restrained palette. I used pieces of doilies as stencils for eggs, though I did occasionally add simple embellishments such as dots to supplement the doily designs. I used painted ceramic eggs, but you could use the same technique on dyed, blown out eggshells.  And if you don't want to bother dyeing eggs, I think white designs on brown eggs or colored designs on white eggs would be just as pretty.  

Here's how to do it:

Materials:

Colored eggs
Paper doilies in various patterns and sizes
Repositionable Adhesive
Scrap paper
Fine-tipped scissors
Needle tool (optional)
Fine-tipped "spotter" paintbrush
Craft paint in white and pale gray

Directions:

1. Place doilies face down on scrap paper and spray with repositionable adhesive; let them dry.

2. Cut detail pieces from the doilies using fine-tipped scissors. If desired, use the needle tool to define areas that aren't fully open, such as dots and pieces of the design that are still blocked with paper. You'll be able to use each piece a few times, so cut a small number to start with.

3. Arrange the doily pieces on the egg and press down with your fingers or fingernails to get a secure bond. (Don't arrange the entire egg at one time. Just start with the first element of the design.)

4. Dab craft paint onto the open areas of doily stencil, using the spotter brush. You can use white paint or mix a little gray into the white if you'd like a more muted effect. Carefully remove the doily stencil and set aside. Let the egg dry for a few minutes, then continue on with your design.

5. If desired, add freehand details and embellishments to supplement the doily designs.

 

Comments

[Suzonne]

Thank you so much, Laura! I have used lace in dyeing eggs, but a bit differently -

http://urbancomfort.typepad.com/urban_nest/2013/02/patterned-easter-eggs.html

[Laura]

Gorgeous! Have you tried this using lace - I bet that would be just as beautiful!

I've just posted an "Easter Inspiration" post on my blog and had to share your idea - if you're not ok with this just let me know and I can amend the post.

http://mrs-jones-to-be.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/easter-inspiration.html

[Lizette]

These are so elegant! I love them!

[Victoria]

I really love this idea!! I`m thinking of doing it on plastic eggs to display each year!! I also shared this on my blog: http://vixenmade.blogspot.ca/2012/03/15-spring-decor-ideas.html

[helen morris]

I wish I had seen these before Easter! They are lovely and the colours are so pretty. I came here from Designer's Block blog. I love seeing new stencil projects.

[Lauren]

I love it! I can't wait to go home for Easter and surprise everyone with a few of these.

[Betty aka ZacksNana]

these are beautiful!!!

[Brook]

Very pretty. Where did you get your doilies? They are much prettier than the ones I've seen in shops before...
Thanks!

[Elaine]

I have got to make these - they are beautiful!

[Charlotte]

These are very cute! I don't think I'd have the patience for such intricate painting, I think I'm going to have a go at decoupaging onto eggs (but will prob just smash lots of eggs!)

Blue Skies
Charlotte xo

blueskiesblog.blogspot.com

[Jennie]

Oh my! I just love these! Such a smart idea I will definitely have to try this season. Thanks for sharing!