Artful Eggs - Tapa dura

Paste, paint, or stencil, and transform an egg into a stunning decorative object. Choose from a wealth of simple crafting techniques like gilding and etching. Small-scale projects that are hugely appealing.

With more than 70 amazingly easy decorating techniques, there's no "egg-scuse" for letting any egg go naked again, or waiting until Easter, because here are designs that work all year-round. Not one of the crafting skills is beyond a beginner's grasp: if you can cut, paste, and paint, you can adorn an egg, whether it's the real thing, or one made from plastic, papier-mache, styrofoam, or even wood. Decoupage an egg with paper napkins, and finish it with a clear varnish to re-create the look of fine china. Need an attractive door display? Try threading specked quail eggs on silk ribbon along the edge of a charming rustic wreath. From subdued elegance to fabulous funk, there is a wide range of styles to suit every taste.