Quail and chicken eggs are made into shimmering ornaments.
Gilded Eggs How-To
1. Poke a pin into each end of an eggshell, and gently blow out contents. Paint shell with water-based sizing; allow to set for 10 to 15 minutes. While sizing is still tacky, use a soft artist's brush to paint on mica powder, holding egg over container to catch excess. (Always wear a dust mask when working with mica powder.)
2. Place a rubber band around middle of shell as a guide, and use a small, pointed brush dipped in off-white latex enamel paint to apply designs. Glue foil-paper trim and beads on each end of egg. Affix beads with model cement. Thread gold cord through top bead to hang.
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I forgot to add that I made these (with the spray paint method below) several years ago, and they have not discolored.
You can get the same effect with metallic spray paint. Put the egg on a wooden skewer (like for shishkabob) and poke the bottom into a piece of stiff foam. Place this inside a cardboard box or spray screen and spray paint it the metallic color of your choice. Once dry, add latex designs as directed above. I made copper eggs with miny-green designs and they looked really nice.
If you want eggs that are already blown, check out www.TheEggeryPlace.com. They have a full line of egg art supplies. Then you won't spend time trying to clean out those eggs. You can spend time decorating them instead!
Water based sizing means a water based adhesive. You can use gold leaf adhesive for this. You can find it at your local hobby/craft store. Mica powder is crushed minerals. You can use glitter too.
Yes, I was also wondering the same thing. I found some information here: http://www.gildedplanet.com/watersizing_home.asp, but am still looking for a brand that I can purchase at Michaels along with the rest of the "ingredients" for this project.
what is water based sizing and what is mica powders? thank-you