Easter Egg-stravaganza!

The egg is one of the most recognized symbols of Easter. Chocolate, marshmallow, sugar – Easter eggs come in many flavors and forms. Using eggs as Easter decorations is an inexpensive and colorful way to enhance the Easter experience. The following two crafts are traditional but still very much appreciated and enjoyed during the Easter season.

Cascarones

Cascarones, sometimes called Confetti Eggs, are a popular holiday tradition in various parts of our country, especially among the Latino population. They are used at various times of the year, including Easter. In southern Texas these eggs are very popular.

Cascarones are eggs filled with confetti and painted various colors. Each egg is broken over someone’s head while a blessing is made for that person. The falling confetti symbolizes the power of the Lord.

Materials

• Confetti • Chicken eggs • Butter knife

• Acrylic paint • Egg dye • Food coloring

• Glitter • Tissue paper

Instructions

To create your own Cascarones, start with empty eggshells, which are prepared by tapping one end with a butter knife, creating a hole a little larger than a dime at the pointed end of the egg. You may also tap the egg on the counter to break off the end. Empty the egg in a bowl, then wash the egg and let dry completely.

Paint the eggs with egg dye, food coloring or acrylic paint. You can create a unique texture by dipping a sponge piece or feather into paint. Add some glitter to the paint for a sparkly effect.

Once the paint has dried, pour confetti into a small bowl, then place a small funnel in the hole and pour confetti into the eggshell. When the shell is full, glue a small piece of colored tissue paper over the hole. You can also use white tissue paper, then paint the paper. Allow to dry and you will have decorative Cascarones!

Papier-Mché Eggs

Materials

• Balloon • Packaging tape • Flour

• Water • Newspaper • Tempera/poster paint

Instructions

Cut newspaper into one-inch wide and three-inch to five-inch long strips. Add water to the flour until the mix is smooth but not too thick.

Inflate balloon and tie. Tape the end of the balloon down with packaging tape to create a smoother look. Dip the newspaper strips into the flour mix and spread over the balloon until it is completely covered.

Set on a wire rack and let dry overnight to a day, depending on climate conditions. After the balloon egg is completely dry, paint with tempura/poster paint and again set on rack to dry.