Lacy Sugar Egg

 So, right now I'm wondering why no one has ever told me about these 'til now? Sugared string eggs.... Have you heard of them? Supposedly, they were very popular in the 1920's(using rubber balloons) through the 1950's(using the latex balloon we know of today)! I was at work on Wednesday and a lovely employee of mine was telling me about how she used to make them with her family when she was little. I was captivated and continued with questions for more and more detail. I couldn't wait to get home and start one. Traditionally, you are supposed to wrap and wrap crochet string around and around an egg shaped balloon in no particular pattern. Then dip and redip into a thick sugar and water mixture. The size of your egg is up to you. Mine is about 24 inches. You can make it larger with a larger balloon or smaller with a smaller balloon.  I'll let you know now, that the first balloon I did, I used string and was a total flop. It wasn't the string's fault. I think I used too much pressure and while wrapping, the egg shaped turned to a round shape. I'd used up most if my crochet thread and then it hit me to use lace! I cut strips of lace out of lace fabric I had on the shelf and went about gluing the strips to the balloon. After this, I decided to use fabric stiffener instead of sugar. I coated and coated with the fabric stiffener. About 5 different times. Letting each coat dry. Once you are done letting the stiffener dry and the lace is nice and firm, you pop the balloon and pull it out.  Now, you should be left with a hollow shell. I held mine up to the window in the kitchen to show you just how delicate and airy the egg is when you are done.  Now, comes the fun part. You can either cut a larger hole in the egg or decorate the top with flowers, dime store fuzzy peeps, or Easter grass. I opted to just decorate the top. I don't know that my egg was hard enough to withstand cutting into it.... Perhaps I should have coated a few more times with the fabric stiffener. These are beautiful, but very delicate. They are usually meant to be hanging decorations, but, I am sure would look lovely nesting in a basket or on their own little "egg stand". Of course, I will be making more of these. Just wanted to share with you in case you wanted to make one before Easter rolls around too!  I also was a lucky duck to be able to find this vintage panoramic sugar egg while out antiquing a few weeks ago. I've loved these! Wouldn't a little collection of these be great? Sweet little chicks inside! Sweet sugary eggs! I really want to try my hand at making some of these too! I think that will be a project for next year, though. Have a sweet Saturday, girls! 
 
 
 
 
 

Comments

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[Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse]

I remember doing this in school...yours is simply beautiful! Thanks for the memories!

[Karla Nathan]

You are so right, lace is much prettier than string and stiffener so much more practical than sugar. These are so pretty! I might have to try one. My sister used to make baskets this way, but I've never tried an egg.

[Erica]

Beautiful! I love the light and airy look of the lace paired with the flowers. I also love the idea of using fabric stiffener, much more storage friendly for not attracting ants.

[Valarie Kraft]

Gabriella,,,I love the lace. I made the string one a few years ago, and then cut the hole in the side, and put fresh flowers in it for my easter table. This one is much prettier, I cannot wait to make one. xxoo Valarie
www.glitterydazeandnights.blogspot.com

[Loretta]

Your lace eggs are beautiful. Great job!

[Ellery]

My mom made these all the time when I was a kid and in fact we just made several last week with crochet yarn, but the lace is exquisite! You can also make it into a basket by turning it on its side and leaving a 2 inch wide strip on the top cutting out on either side of what becomes the handle, I hope that makes sense! I had a basket string egg as a child, I loved it, lavender gingham ribbon....

[sadie]

the lacy egg is beautiful. Never seen it before.

:O) xx

[gabrielle messina]

Thanks so much, Loretta! It was fun to make! Still want to make another one! May have to wait tll after Easter is over, though!

Take care! Happy Easter!

[gabrielle messina]

You know, Karla I think I want to try a basket too! Sounds pretty! Hope you have a wonderful Easter!

[gabrielle messina]

Hi Ellery! The baskets sound beautiful! I think I will have to give them a try one of these days! I still want to make one using the traditional string....

Happy Easter!

[gabrielle messina]

Glad I could bring back some happy memories for you, Sandi!

Happy Easter!

[Roberta]

Very pretty - I can't wait to try both with the lace and string. I have never seen these before so thank you for the post. As far as the sugar eggs I just spent an entire week up to my head in sugar. The mold part is not hard just vewry time consuming - PLEASE if you try them just use the water and sugar recipe - it really works much better then adding egg white or confectionary sugar. Good Luck in you future crafting.

[Suz Reaney]

Truly a beautiful egg! What a creative idea. I made the string ones years ago...

[sildenafil citrate]

i am lookin for a good salt/ sugar scrub that i can buy in the UK (boots ect) lots of suggestions especially something that smells really nice :) i would like to spend no more than £20 preferablly

thank you !!

[sildenafil citrate]

i am lookin for a good salt/ sugar scrub that i can buy in the UK (boots ect) lots of suggestions especially something that smells really nice :) i would like to spend no more than £20 preferablly

thank you !!

[gabrielle messina]

I like to make my own scrubs, you can find a good recipe here....http://beauty.about.com/od/skinflaws/ht/saltscrub.htm

best part it costs next to nothing and you can add essential oils of you choice!

good luck

[guanacaste costa rica]

I have never seen these before so thank you for the post. As far as the sugar eggs I just spent an entire week up to my head in sugar