String Easter Eggs

Easter is upon us!  There are like a million tutorials for these cute string Easter eggs, each are a little different.  I did a couple of batches and through trial and error, I figured out how to make these come out just right so I thought I'd share.  

Warning: This is an extremely messy project!

Here is what you'll need:

• Mod Podge
• spray starch
• small balloons
• embroidery floss
• something to put the glue mixture in (I used either a disposable tupperware or a disposable bowl)
• something to set them out on to dry that they won't stick to (I used the glossy side of freezer paper)

The How to:

1. Put down some newspaper...as I said this is messy
2. Blow up however many balloons you wish to use.
3. Make a glue/water mixture (about 1 part water for every 1 part glue) It is important not to make it too thick. The half and half ratio is perfect.  Put this in your bowl and mix it with a plastic spoon
4. unravel embroidery floss (be careful not to get it tangled) and start dipping one end into the glue mixture
5. grab a balloon and start wrapping the string, making sure to dip the string as you go along- I found that it was WAY easier if you started at the top of the balloon (where it ties) and wrap the string around lengthwise (top to bottom) a few times in different areas of the balloon before wrapping it in other directions.  This seemed to give more stability.  I also would go around the tie so it also reinforced everything.  You can use the whole skein of floss if you like or cut it off if you're pleased with the look before you run out- just depends on how dense you want it.  
6. Spray the entire egg immediately after with the starch- this is also important as the starch adds to the crispness and helps it hold it's shape (I recommend doing this outside and bring a paper towel with you as it will drip off the egg)
7. Place eggs on freezer paper (or anything else that it won't stick to)
8. Allow to dry about 24 hrs
9. After dry and crisp to the touch, poke the balloons with a pin- I guess I expected the balloon to just pop but because of all the glue and starch, the balloon actually slowly deflates and pulls away from the string (makes sense), so you get more of a crackle and pop sound kind of like Rice Krispies ;)  This part was actually a fun activity for my little 3 year old to help with.  He loved it!
10. And voila!  You may have to pull the remaining balloon out with tweezers and peel off some excess webbing made by the glue here and there but there you have it!

I put mine in a lantern display with some Spanish moss on my kitchen table but I got overzealous and made a ton so I also made a display in a decorative bowl for my front room too!