Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, and the excitement of Easter is just around the corner. These bright and colorful Easter Egg Crafts for Kids are just what you need to keep the little ones entertained this festive season! Get creative with paper, yarn, tape, paint, and more to transform your home into a pastel wonderland.
You know when a famous movie releases, and soon everyone is talking about the many ‘Easter eggs’ hidden within it? They’re talking about subtle references or secrets tucked away in scenes, which can only be caught by the vigilant observer. Well, that’s certainly not the kind of Easter egg we’re talking about today!
We are talking about the hands-on, glitter-covered, paint-splattered joy of crafting. While the movie reference originates from the tradition of hunting for Easter eggs in the grass, presumably left by the Easter bunny, the art of decorating eggs goes back much further. Before we dive into the glue and scissors, let’s look at why the world loves eggs so much!
Easter Egg Traditions Around the World
It turns out, we aren’t the only ones obsessed with oval-shaped fun. The egg has been a symbol of new life and rebirth for centuries. Here is a look at how different cultures celebrate:
- Central Europe: In a somewhat mischievous tradition, men often gather eggs from women and, in exchange, playfully whip them with willow branches or splash them with water, a ritual believed to preserve their beauty and health.
- United Kingdom: Here, the focus is on gravity! Children decorate hard-boiled eggs and compete to roll them down a grassy hillside. This event, known as the Easter Egg Roll, is a race to see whose egg reaches the bottom first without cracking.
- Germany: This country features an “Egg Dance.” Eggs are laid out on the floor, and participants must dance around and between them. The goal is to move gracefully without breaking any of the fragile shells.
- Italy: On Easter Monday, Italians play Scuccetta. Participants hold boiled eggs and tap them against their opponent’s egg. The person whose egg remains uncracked is declared the winner (and gets to eat the eggs!).
- Latin America: They perform a tradition called Cascarones. Hollowed-out eggshells are filled with colorful confetti and hidden. When found, they are cracked over someone’s head, showering them with paper—a sign of good luck!
How about starting your own tradition this year? Whether you are a teacher looking for classroom activities or a parent wanting a quiet afternoon project, we have gathered 20 amazing Easter egg craft ideas below.
The Ultimate List of Easter Egg Crafts for Kids
We have categorized these crafts to help you find exactly what you need based on the supplies you have on hand.
Fun with Paper and Cardboard
Paper is the most accessible supply, making these crafts perfect for last-minute activities.
1. Washi Tape Resist Art Eggs This is great for toddlers and preschoolers. Cut an egg shape out of thick white cardstock. Let the kids stick strips of low-tack Washi tape or painter’s tape across the egg in geometric patterns. Have them paint over the entire egg with watercolors. Once dry, peel off the tape to reveal crisp white lines against the colorful background.
2. 3D Paper Spinners Cut out four identical egg shapes from different colored construction papers. Fold them in half vertically. Glue the backs of the halves together until they form a 3D egg. Punch a hole at the top, add a string, and hang them up. When the wind hits them, they spin beautifully!
3. Potato Masher Stamped Eggs Do you have a potato masher in your kitchen drawer with a cool grid or wave pattern? Dip it in acrylic paint and stamp it onto paper egg cutouts. It creates instant, intricate textures that look like professional prints.
4. Tissue Paper Suncatchers Cut the center out of a paper egg frame. Place it on a sheet of clear contact paper (sticky side up). Let kids stick small squares of colorful tissue paper onto the sticky surface. Seal it with another piece of contact paper, trim the edges, and tape it to the window for a stained-glass effect.
5. Paper Strip Weaving This is excellent for fine motor skills. Cut an egg shape from cardstock and cut horizontal slits across the center (leave the edges intact). Cut thin strips of colored paper and teach your child to weave them “over and under” through the slits.
Textured and Tactile Crafts
These crafts engage the senses and use materials like yarn, cotton, and salt.
6. Yarn Wrapped Cardboard Eggs Cut egg shapes out of recycled cereal boxes. Tape the end of a piece of multi-colored yarn to the back. Let your child wrap the yarn around the egg in every direction until the cardboard is completely hidden. This is a mess-free craft that results in a soft, fuzzy decoration.
7. Salt Painting Magic Draw patterns on a paper egg using white school glue. While the glue is wet, sprinkle table salt over it. Shake off the excess. Now, dip a paintbrush into liquid watercolors and lightly touch the salt. Watch the color spread along the salt/glue lines like magic!
8. Cotton Ball Sheep Eggs Cut out an egg shape from white paper. Cover it in glue and stick cotton balls all over it until it looks fluffy. Add a black paper circle for a face and two googly eyes. It’s a sheep in the shape of an egg!
9. Shaving Cream Marbled Eggs Fill a baking dish with shaving cream and drop liquid food coloring onto the surface. Swirl it with a toothpick. Press a piece of heavy cardstock (cut into an egg shape) into the foam. Scrape off the shaving cream with a ruler, and the swirling dye pattern will remain on the paper.
10. Aluminum Foil Embossed Eggs Cut an egg shape from cardboard. Draw designs on it with a hot glue gun or thick puffy paint and let it dry. Wrap the egg in aluminum foil and rub it gently with a soft cloth. The raised glue design will show through the foil, creating a metallic, embossed look. Color with permanent markers for extra flair.
Decorating Plastic or Real Eggs
If you have plastic eggs from a dollar store or hard-boiled eggs, try these ideas.
11. Galaxy Eggs Paint a plastic or wooden egg black. Once dry, use a sponge to dab on dark blues, purples, and pinks. Finally, flick a toothbrush dipped in white paint over the egg to create “stars.” These look out of this world!
12. Emoji Eggs Paint your eggs bright yellow. Once dry, use markers or paint to draw famous Emoji expressions—heart eyes, sunglasses, or the laughing face. These are a hit with older kids and pre-teens.
13. Decoupage Napkin Eggs Separate the layers of a patterned paper napkin so you only have the thin top layer with the design. Brush a hard-boiled egg with egg white (acts as glue) or Mod Podge (for wooden/plastic eggs). Smooth the napkin pieces over the egg. It creates a seamless, hand-painted look.
14. Sharpie Doodles Sometimes simple is best. Give older kids fine-point permanent markers and white plastic eggs. Challenge them to create “Zentangle” patterns—intricate black and white doodles that cover the whole shell.
15. Melted Crayon Rocks (Egg Shaped) Find smooth, egg-shaped river rocks. Heat them in the oven (adult supervision required). While hot, draw on them with crayons. The wax melts instantly, creating vibrant, waxy designs that harden as the rock cools.
Creative & Upcycled Ideas
Using items you might throw away to create something beautiful.
16. Egg Carton Hatching Chicks Cut a single cup from an egg carton. Paint it yellow. Glue a beak and eyes on the front, and feathers on the back. It looks like a little chick! You can also use two cups hinged with tape to make a plastic egg holder.
17. Button Mosaic Eggs Draw a large egg outline on a canvas or stiff board. Give your child a jar of old buttons and glue. Have them fill the egg shape with buttons, overlapping them to create a textured mosaic art piece.
18. Salt Dough Egg Ornaments Mix flour, salt, and water to make a dough. Roll it out and use an egg-shaped cookie cutter. Poke a hole at the top for a ribbon. Bake until hard, then let the kids paint and seal them. These last for years!
19. Nature Collage Eggs Go for a nature walk and collect small leaves, petals, and flat flowers. Cut an egg shape from cardboard. Glue the nature items onto the cardboard to create an earthy, beautiful collage.
20. Balloon String Art Eggs Dip yarn into a mixture of glue and water. Wrap the sticky yarn around a small water balloon. Let it dry completely (24 hours). Pop the balloon and pull it out. You are left with a hollow, stiff yarn egg that looks elegant hanging from the ceiling
Tips for a Successful Crafting Session
To ensure your Easter crafting goes smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
- Prep the Area: Easter crafts often involve glue, paint, and glitter. Lay down a plastic tablecloth or old newspapers to protect your furniture.
- Age Appropriateness: Choose crafts that match your child’s skill level. Toddlers do best with stamping and stickers (like the Washi Tape craft), while older kids can handle the Galaxy Eggs or String Art.
- Let Them Lead: The goal is fun, not perfection. If their “sheep” looks more like a cloud, or their patterns are messy, praise their creativity!
- Safety First: If using hot glue guns or scissors, ensure there is always adult supervision. For younger kids, stick to glue sticks and pre-cut shapes.
Why Crafting is Important for Kids
Engaging in these Easter egg crafts provides more than just a cute decoration. It helps children develop:
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, pasting, and weaving strengthen hand muscles.
- Color Recognition: Mixing paints and choosing yarn colors teaches color theory.
- Patience and Focus: Following steps to achieve a result builds attention spans.
- Cultural Awareness: Discussing the traditions mentioned earlier while crafting opens their minds to the world.
Conclusion
Easter is a time of joy, color, and celebration. Whether you are rolling eggs down a hill in the UK or cracking confetti eggs in Latin America, the spirit remains the same. By sitting down to make these 20 exciting Easter egg crafts, you are creating more than just art—you are creating memories.
So, gather your supplies, call the kids, and let the creativity flow. Happy Easter and Happy Crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the easiest Easter egg craft for toddlers? The Potato Masher Stamped Eggs or the Contact Paper Suncatchers are the easiest. They require very little coordination and no dangerous tools, making them perfect for 2 and 3-year-olds.