Part One: How to Make String Easter Eggs

Now that Valentine's is over, it's time to think about Easter. This weekend is devoted to Easter crafts  and string Easter eggs is on my list. I had water balloons left over from one of the grand kids birthday parties which were the perfect size for this project.

Here's what you need:

• Balloons
• Elmer's Glue mixed with a little water
• Packing string (you can also use scrap yarn)
• Spray paint in pastel colors
• Clear acrylic spray (optional)
• PATIENCE!!

Blow up balloons and tie them off. I made assorted sizes for interest. Cut eight to nine 15-18" strings per balloon and set aside while preparing glue mixture.

Squeeze out a good amount of glue onto a paper plate. Add a small amount of water and stir well. Two tablespoons of glue to 1/2 teaspoon of water should work well. If not, adjust accordingly until you have a thin .

Roll balloon in glue mixture using fingertips to apply glue to all areas. Drag a string through the glue mixture and begin wrapping around the balloon. Repeat this process until you have desired string shape.

I found having an extra paper plate of the glue mixture was helpful. After applying a piece of string, dip fingers in the second glue mixture and pat glue onto the string/balloon for better adhesion.

Criss-cross the string in various ways to get a nice effect. Before hanging to dry, use fingertips to apply a thin layer of glue onto your stringer masterpiece. Place some type of drip tray under the balloons as they dry. I just tore off a sheet of aluminum foil.

Allow string balloons to dry for 24 hours. Then pop the balloon and CAREFULLY remove the balloon. Some area of the balloon will want to stick to the string. I used a small pair of curved needle nose pliers but tweezers would also work. Gently pull the balloon away from the string and full the deflated balloon through one of the bigger string openings.

I will be posting the Part Two of this project next week. The string eggs will be spray painted in pastel Easter colors and over-coated with clear acrylic spray (to ensure sturdiness).