I spent some time last week (the only nice day we had) cleaning the old nests from the birdhouses and making some necessary repairs. I hated to throw the beautiful roosts out, so instead they came into the cabin to create a natural table vignette.
My favorite is the smaller nest made by Wrens (I know this because I watched them go in and out of that house all summer long). I can’t believe all the feathers they have wove into the nesting material. It’s quite impressive how crafty they are. After getting them in place I thought they needed a pop of color and of course eggs were the natural choice.
I didn’t have any at home and wasn’t spending the time to drive 40 miles to locate some so I decided the next best thing was to make my own. I used a simple salt dough recipe…..made them up before I went to bed and let them dry overnight.
The next day I gave them a coat of Krylon Blue Ocean Breeze spray paint and splattered them with chocolate colored watercolors. Voila I had faux bird eggs and never had to leave the house or spend any money to get them.
Here’s the easy, easy recipe. I think I may be using this for other projects. I can think of a million things I can create with salt dough.
- 1/2 C Flour
- 1/2 C Salt
- 1/4 C Water
- Mix together to form a dough, add more water if needed. Form into shape and let dry overnight on wax paper.
I am going to try this Dawn! I need more eggs to decorate but spending the money and getting to a craft store is not on my priority list.
I just hope mine shape up like yours – eggs and not lemons.
Windi, that’ exactly why I went this method. Why make the trip and spend the money when you don’t have to. I found if you pinch off some dough and roll it into a ball in the palms of your hands, then make it egg shaped worked the best. Just make one end a little narrower to resemble a real egg.
That’s a great idea Dawn, and one my grandkids would love doing. Thanks for sharing your idea.
Linda, yes this would be great for kids and they can color them however they like.
These are darling! They look like the real thing. 🙂
What a great idea. I am going to try it for sure !…Your nests and eggs look great. Thanks for the recipe.
Cheryl, it’s a fun little project and rewarding too.
You are so darn clever. Yesterday I bought a feather duster. Jack said Mom you can make that LOL…get a stick and some feathers. I said son for the 1.50 I just paid for this, some things are not worth making. These eggs however are!
LOL Debbie, I want to see you create a feather duster….first chase down the birds to pluck the feathers from, second thought send Jack on that mission.
That’s a great idea, Dawn! I bought real bird’s eggs last year, and my daughter’s cat broke all but 1 of them. I need some faux ones!
Angie faux are perfect I bet the cat wouldn’t be too interested in them.
Beautiful eggs! So creative.
Judy
Thank you Judy
I love your bird nests, Dawn. What a clever way to make the eggs. xo Laura
Laura, I think this is the perfect egg, it never spoils 🙂
Very sweet Dawn!
Thanks Martina
Hi little Dawndie! Oh, how cute this is. This is something I would love to try with my little five year old grand daughter. She would love it and I would too. Thanks for popping in to see me and have a great week.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Shelia, she would love making these its such a fun and easy project.
Dawn, those are so cute. They look real.
Thanks Kim, they were fun to create 🙂
Actually have a nest we found in the Christmas tree we cut this last holiday. And there is always a nest under the deck near the walkout. The girls and I will have to make the eggs this spring break. Thanks for the idea.
Tandra, The girls will have a blast doing it 🙂 Hang on to those nests.
What a beautiful project! We make salt dough ornaments for various holidays and I never would have thought to make decorative eggs for Easter out of them. So smart and creative! Visiting via SITS 🙂
Marlynn, thanks for stopping by I will have to try your ornament idea.
I love this idea and your eggs are near perfect. Please be aware though, it is better if you make your own nests also, as it is illegal to own any birds nests, or body parts (ie beaks or feet, or wings, including feathers). You can be fined if you are caught with migratory birds nests or body parts (feathers). Please check with your Wildlife Conservationist. In some cases you can get past that if you are using the materials for the purposes of science classes, if you are the teacher. Good luck. I just thought you might like to know.
Ramona hubby is always scolding me for digging up roadside ditch flowers and hes tells me the same things, LOL. I homeschooled my son does that count?
Thanks so much for the salt dough recipie looks awesome. I think I’ll do a coat of white then try water colour. . I appreciate your column.
Gaeyl, it’s so easy to do I hope you enjoy making them.
Hi Dawn,
Can I use acrylic paint instead of spray paint for the eggs?
Yours look perfect.
Im sure that will work perfectly.