Easter Eggs 1

 

Sean is gone on a six day trip and so I began working on the little eggs themselves.  I bought these particular eggs from Hobby Lobby, though if you are planning on making a lot, I suggest one of these sites:

http://www.woodcrafter.com/eggswooden.aspx

http://www.craftparts.com/eggs-fruits-wooden-eggs-c-249_251.html

If you have a drill, this step should be easy – if not, I believe you can get some kind of attachment you can glue on and string your thread through, but you’ll have to ask at a craft store.

Since I use smallish tooth picks to assist me in painting, the drill bit size I use is 5/64.  If you are using normal sized toothpicks, however, you might find a 3/32 more suitable.  Drill your hole carefully.  And keep the tools away from the childrens’ eager hands!

I was thinking about how crazy people question me for having my kids so close together, and wanting a big family.  My husband's being gone so long is not unusual.  I have never gotten used to his being gone, and probably never will (though I once had a co-worker tell me that her marriage only survived so long because her husband is gone all the time too!  How sad!).  But what I do remember is that before my little Anne was born, it was not only hard to have my husband gone, but I was miserable.  After I had Anne I had someone who needed my attention and affection, and so, Sean’s absence was a little easier to bear.

Sean's being gone does get easier – in the sense that my daughter is now able to have somewhat intelligent conversations with me (she is not quite three, after all), and both my children make me laugh all the time…And the fact that they are close together makes it possible for me to do things while they entertain each other, such as drilling holes into miniature eggs.  I can’t wait until my third is born.  I’m already used to being out-numbered, and my kids are very ready to have another playmate.

So at least in the children aspect I have an ideal life, who could truly think otherwise?  Perhaps someone who wants to work on their career, get an education, travel  the world?  Wait - I've done all that and it doesn't compare to the wonderfulness of child-rearing.  My husband being gone all the time, however – we have to work on that one!

Easter Egg Tree

 

This week we started Meat Fare Week.  For those not familiar with it, in the Byzantine Church we prepare for Lent two weeks in advance by getting rid of all our meat, one week in advance by getting rid of all dairy.  This way food doesn’t go to waste once we get to the Great Fast, and we are also eased into the season.

Now that we are approaching Lent, my thoughts turn to what should be done in preparation for Easter.  Arts and crafts wise, the mind turns to eggs.  Eggs have always been associated with Easter (new life hidden within the white walled tomb of the egg shell – we decorate them as a sign that the tomb no longer holds threat, that is, Christ has conquered death).  The tradition of Easter eggs on trees are more connected with Western Europe.  Pisanki and red colored hard boiled eggs are Eastern traditions.

Your basic tools: floral tape, small container, 18 gauge floral wire, floral foam, a small Spring-like container.  Also shown: wooden eggs for a future post and a kitchen knife for sizing the floral foam.

We often had an Easter tree growing up, but it wasn’t until I went to Austria for my studies that I discovered the most beautiful little wooden Easter eggs.  As this is a craft anyone can do, I will spend the next few weeks going over the lovely tradition of Easter trees and eggs for the tree.  I bought all the basic tools at Hobby Lobby. 

Mark the floral foam sponge and cut to fit your container.

Twist wire around pens, screwdrivers, or whatever you have.

Secure your twisted wire with floral tape and insert your tree into your foam sponge.

Add decorations as you wish and have available.

This something like what your finished and decorated tree will look.