Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Sharing Egg Carton Surprises!

In an earlier post I mentioned that I was involved in the "Amusing Provincial" egg carton swap.We were given two names, contacted the people to find some of their interests or favorites and then decorated egg cartons which we stuffed with treasures.
Jackie and April were my partners. I couldn't find the six-egg cartons, so I used a dozen. I started with gessoing the cartons, then painting.
 
I put moss in the cups to protect the items and "finish" it.
Then I added the paper embellishments. Roses for one...
Butterflies for another.
 
I wanted to be sure the tops would close all the way so that after the recipient took out the materials inside, they could reuse them to store holiday things or just for fun.
Then the fun part began -- decorating the tops! I decided on a bird and spring theme for both of them.
 
They were quite similar, yet because of the color and arrangement, different as well.
 
Then it was time to stuff them!
 
I had fun with this, combining some Easter candy elements (you must have chocolate!) with art and play things, like spools of lace, ribbon, silk flowers in small envelopes,buttons, floss, French magnets and little bits and bobs!
After that, I had to make sure they stayed intact during shipping, so out came the ribbon.
The green was more rustic and I used a burlap ribbon for that one.

I had a ball doing these and sent them off with a slightly heavy heart! They because part of my life for about a week! Come back soon because in the next post, I'll share the ones I received! (For more on our Easter, check it out HERE.

27 comments:

Deb said...

Those are really beautiful, Jeanie. Lots of effort put into them, for sure.It must have been a real treat to receive one.

Jeanie said...

Those are gorgeous. You are so good at adding very special little touches.

The Artful Diva said...

cool idea - all I found in my egg carton were raw eggs!

Sally Wessely said...

Beautiful! I love them. I bet you had so much fun making these. I too would have a hard time parting with them.

Anonymous said...

Was ever there a project more suited to your talents? They are gorgeous. I know the recipients loved them.

Joanne Huffman said...

How lucky Jackie and April are1 These are both delightful.

Beth M. said...

I love the surprise of color and decoration under the lid. It's such an unexpected treat!

Tracy said...

GORGEOUS, Jeanie... I just love these! Great ideas... I'll be saving egg cartons now. ;o) Happy Day ((HUGS))

shoreacres said...

What a fun project! They're just delightful - and as you said, each has its own special personality, just like you!

I can't wait to see the ones you received.

~*~Patty S said...

Altering egg cartons is THE loveliest idea Jeanie

LOVE what you've done to yours ... so delightful down to the last detail

thank you for the inspiration
oxo

Anonymous said...

Never thought the cartons can be so beautiful and useful as gift baskets! What creative ideas you have here, Jeanie.

DearHelenHartman said...

You are too clever! I hope you have some ideas for an art project for all the paperdolls I've found lately - bet it would be awesome.

Anonymous said...

Oh, these are just so lovely! You really are the most creative one!
Thanks so much for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;0

anno said...

Enchanting! And another beautiful example of the way blogging encourages both creativity and connection.

That said, I would been hard pressed to send off one of those gorgeous creations -- maybe you need to make one for yourself!

Marilyn Miller said...

Love the Spring Nest sort of feel to them. You are so creative. I could really have fun playing with you.

Dagmar said...

Hello my redheaded partner in crime blogger. How's ya doing? Im so glad to be back in the real world of my friends again. I've missed out on so much. And on your blog I'm planning to go all the way back where I left off. yet for now I wanted to leave behind a short messages telling you I'm gladd you're still around and kicking. Celebrating life and embracing spring. What a wonderful thing you've made....I'm totaly not good in handcrafting.

Well off I go working on my new venture. Talk soon, I'll be sening you a mail asap.
Hugs and have a wonderful weekend.
Dagmar

The Old Parsonage said...

What a fun swap! I LOVE your gifts, but of course we have the same style my friend. I'm sure that they were thrilled with pieces of your heart. Can't wait to see what you got!

Enjoy your weekend!
Leann

Friko said...

A lovely idea beautifully executed. I am sure the recipients loved their special Easter gift.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

I can only imagine how much fun this was, particularly gathering all the treasures. Love how you decorated these magical chests and sealed with gossamer ribbon.

Lucky recipients!

Bises,
Genie

paris parfait said...

What fun! Who knew egg cartons could be so beautiful??!!

Janet said...

It looks like you had fun with this project. And they look so beautiful. I'm sure the recipients loved them and all the goodies inside.

HerzBlatt said...


Thanks so much for your very friendly and nice comments in my blog!! Especially your comment about my white painted shelves and cupboards makes me very happy!!
The egg cartons are really great!! I have never seen something like that....A beautiful idea!!
And I especially love the content....looks very interesting!!!
I read all your last posts and discovered that you like watching "the Life of Brian"?? I love this film very much and have seen it so many times, but I can laugh as if I watch it for the first time.
You show lovely painted eggs. We have the same tradition on Good Friday and it is like a competition, who paints the nicest or most interesting or craziest egg.
Best wishes
Iris

Pam~ Virginia Retro said...

Beautiful! You did an amazing job on their boxes...so lovely.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

These are just WONDERFUL!!! So pretty and clever and imaginative!!!

Unknown said...

Wow that looks like a fun swap, love the concept and all the goodies!
Hugs Marilou

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! Oh my goodness, these are GORGEOUS. Now that I am not posting I could probably enjoy a swap again. I have been looking for a nice one. If you come across any, send me a note.
XOXO's

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Oh how fun! You did such an awesome job! What a fun thing for your swap partners to receive in the mail! I love the use of the scrabble letters!! You are just so crafty Jeanie!

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