Egg decorating
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Image:Ukrainskie pisanki.jpeg
Ukrainian Easter eggs
This article is about egg decorating in general. For the Easter tradition of egg decorating, see Easter egg.
Egg decorating is the art or craft of decorating eggs. It is quite a popular art/craft form because of the attractive, smooth, oval shape of the egg. Any bird egg can be facilitated in this process, but most often the larger and stronger the eggshell is, the more favoured it will be by decorators. Goose, duck and hens' eggs are usually "blown" (the contents hollowed) before being decorated. The egg is then sometimes sculpted or otherwise decorated using a number of different techniques. Some eggs, like emu eggs, are so large and strong that the shells may be carved without breaking. Decorations on emu eggs take advantage of the contrast in colours between the dark green mottled outside of the shell and the shell-underlay. The renowned Russian artist and jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé made exquisitely decorated precious metal and gemstone eggs for the Russian Court. These Fabergé eggs resembled standard decorated eggs, but they were made from gold and precious stones. The Persian culture also has a tradition of egg decorating, which takes place during the spring equinox. This time marks the Persian New Year, and is referred to as Norouz. Family members decorate eggs together and place them in a bowl. It is from this cultural tradition that the Christian practice originates.[1] Many modern egg artists decorate their "art eggs" by etching or carving, while others paint or cover their eggs with different materials, from paper to fabric to polymer clay. Using eggs as a canvas has become so popular that special terms have developed with the art form. An "eggery" is typically a place where you can purchase supplies for egg art and the process of using a natural egg shell to create an art piece if often called "egging". Egg artists also have their own Egg Art Guild, which they can join. There are also shows in many states where people show their art eggs and vendors of "egging" supplies can be found. Each year, the White House chooses a decorated egg from each State to display at Easter time. See also
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