Last year, Food Network Magazine contacted us to contribute an Easter feature highlighting eggs inspired by all 50 states. They asked if we’d create a California-inspired design, and Palm Springs immediately came to mind. We recreated iconic mid-century doors on craft eggs, and the results were so fun we wanted to share a step-by-step tutorial. This project requires patience and attention to detail, but the outcome is worth it if you enjoy small-scale craftwork.
DIY Palm Springs Easter Eggs
Total Time: About one hour plus drying time
Supplies
Pencil
Craft eggs (ceramic, cardboard, or similar)
Rolling pin
Model Magic or lightweight air-dry clay
Small craft knife
Toothpick or pointed tool
Acrylic paint in assorted colors
Small paintbrushes
Scissors
Craft paper
Super glue
Metallic silver gel pen or metallic paint
Directions
1. Lightly sketch the layout on the egg with a pencil where you want the door, pathway, skyline, grass line, and other details.
2. Roll out a thin sheet of Model Magic or air-dry clay with a rolling pin. Cut a small rectangle for the door using a craft knife. Use a toothpick to emboss trim around the door and to create the paneled grid—two vertical lines and several horizontal lines—to mimic mid-century door panels.
3. Paint the door a soft, light pink or another mid-century color of your choice. Allow the paint to dry.
4. Create a doorknob by stacking two tiny squares of craft paper and a dab of clay. Paint the piece metallic silver and attach it to the lower right corner of the door.
5. For plants flanking the door, cut about 10 slim leaf shapes per plant from craft paper (roughly 1/2 inch long). Lightly curl each leaf around a paintbrush handle or pencil to add dimension. Form a tiny clay base—a small ball—then add a drop of glue and press the curled leaves into the base until you achieve the desired shape. Paint the leaves and let them dry.
6. Paint the egg following your pencil guidelines: blue for the sky at the top, grey for a driveway or pathway, and green for the lawn. Use thin brushes for small areas and allow layers to dry before adding details.
7. Add outdoor wall lights beside the door with a silver gel pen or a very fine brush and metallic paint. Keep the shapes simple to complement the door and plants.
8. Once all painted elements are fully dry, arrange and secure the door, plants, and light fixtures with a small amount of super glue. Hold each piece in place briefly so the glue sets properly.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
Pick up the current issue of Food Network Magazine to see the full spread and our Palm Springs-inspired egg in print.