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While there are many items that make wonderful Easter gifts, such as spring flowers or chocolate bunnies, consider giving beautiful hand painted eggs this year. Already established in some other countries, the craft of egg painting is gaining popularity in the UK, as well.
Inexpensive and easy to make, hand painted eggs are appropriate for anyone. Male or female, young and old alike, designs can be customised to each recipient.
Prepare the Eggs
To remove the contents, place the egg in an eggcup or similar sized container. Holding it gently but firmly, use a needle to poke a small hole in one end and a slightly larger hole in the other. Insert a long needle or thin wire through the larger hole and stir the insides. Hold the egg over a bowl and blow through the small hole to dispel the contents.
Once the egg is empty, submerge it in a mixture of three parts water to one part vinegar. Fill half full, shake gently and blow the liquid out of the eggshell. Shells needing additional cleaning may be left to soak a while in the water/vinegar mixture. Once the shells are clean, let them dry overnight. (more…)
With the wide variety of secular Easter activities commonly available today, such as egg hunts and the anticipation of a visit from the Easter bunny, it is easy to forget the true meaning of this sacred holiday. Rather than being totally swept away by the commercial hustle and bustle of Easter this year, slow down and take time to reflect.