Easter Frames
Egg cartons, opp shop frames, and a whole lot of colour
The Set Up
You'll need more egg cartons than you think! About two to three per frame. Start saving a couple of weeks in advance, or ask families to bring theirs in.
Collect old frames from opp shops or thrift stores (we raided three on a single Saturday and came home with a carload for about $15). The chunkier the frame the better because there's more surface to glue onto. Spray paint them for a fresh look, or leave them as is, or let the kids paint them a base colour. We love the look of a green with bright painted cups on top, but it's completely up to you.
The Making
Start by using the egg cartons like a paint palette. Mix interesting colours directly into the cups and build up a range. This is the fun bit because every cup ends up slightly different and is a great way to discuss colour theroy.
Once the paint is dry, cut out the individual cups and shape them further if you like... trimming the edges into petal shapes or zigzags or eggs or insects.
Now the arranging. Lay the painted shapes around the frame, move them, swap them, try different combinations. Add pom poms, sequins, mosaic tiles, beads. Build up the composition until it feels full and interesting.
Hot glue for speed if you're working on a tight time frame (use a low-temp gun for safety around little hands). PVA works too if you've got time to leave them overnight. But honestly the hot glue is worth it for the instant satisfaction and it holds the pieces better.
Then the frames are ready for a gorgeous piece of art work or photo!
Variations
Skip the frame and arrange the painted egg carton shapes directly onto a canvas or thick card for a garden collage instead.
Or go three-dimensional and build a wreath shape from a bent wire coat hanger, threading and gluing the cups around it. Hang it on the front door!
Materials
Egg cartons (about 2-3 cartons per frame)
Scissors
Poster or tempera paints for colour mixing
Old frames from opp shops or thrift stores (chunky ones work best)
Spray paint (optional, adults only)
Acrylic paints and brushes
Hot glue gun, low-temp (or PVA if you have overnight drying time)
Pom poms, sequins, mosaic tiles, beads
Palette or paper plates for mixing
Wire coat hanger (for wreath variation)
Back to Top
Easter Frames
Egg cartons, opp shop frames, and a whole lot of colour
Bookmark
Collage
The Set Up
You'll need more egg cartons than you think! About two to three per frame. Start saving a couple of weeks in advance, or ask families to bring theirs in.
Collect old frames from opp shops or thrift stores (we raided three on a single Saturday and came home with a carload for about $15). The chunkier the frame the better because there's more surface to glue onto. Spray paint them for a fresh look, or leave them as is, or let the kids paint them a base colour. We love the look of a green with bright painted cups on top, but it's completely up to you.
The Making
Start by using the egg cartons like a paint palette. Mix interesting colours directly into the cups and build up a range. This is the fun bit because every cup ends up slightly different and is a great way to discuss colour theroy.
Once the paint is dry, cut out the individual cups and shape them further if you like... trimming the edges into petal shapes or zigzags or eggs or insects.
Now the arranging. Lay the painted shapes around the frame, move them, swap them, try different combinations. Add pom poms, sequins, mosaic tiles, beads. Build up the composition until it feels full and interesting.
Hot glue for speed if you're working on a tight time frame (use a low-temp gun for safety around little hands). PVA works too if you've got time to leave them overnight. But honestly the hot glue is worth it for the instant satisfaction and it holds the pieces better.
Then the frames are ready for a gorgeous piece of art work or photo!
Variations
Skip the frame and arrange the painted egg carton shapes directly onto a canvas or thick card for a garden collage instead.
Or go three-dimensional and build a wreath shape from a bent wire coat hanger, threading and gluing the cups around it. Hang it on the front door!
Materials
Egg cartons (about 2-3 cartons per frame)
Scissors
Poster or tempera paints for colour mixing
Old frames from opp shops or thrift stores (chunky ones work best)
Spray paint (optional, adults only)
Acrylic paints and brushes
Hot glue gun, low-temp (or PVA if you have overnight drying time)
Pom poms, sequins, mosaic tiles, beads
Palette or paper plates for mixing
Wire coat hanger (for wreath variation)
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
