[Make] Matryoshka Nesting Eggs // Part 1

Did you have a Matryoshka doll growing up?  I still have the one I was given as a child; it's currently residing in Happy Vee's Around the World themed room. Matryoshka dolls originated in Russia at the end of the 19th century and the old-fashioned wood dolls have been popular ever since.

In the last few years I've seen them pop up just about everywhere-- from clothing and fabric to kitchen tools and birthday parties (I have and love this measuring cup set). Since I have boys and a Matryoshka-themed birthday party is probably out of question, these are the next best thing.  :)

Click "Read more" for the tutorial

Matryoshka Easter Eggs Tutorial

Materials needed:

3 or 4 plastic Easter eggs of varying sizes that comfortably "nest" inside each other. Make sure it is not too tight of a fit.

origami or other light weight decorative paper

twine or string to measure egg

ruler

pencil

scissors

mod podge

small paint or foam brush

Instructions:

First off, you'll need to know how to make Traditional Washi Eggs. You will use this technique on the smallest egg that doesn't open. Also, if you don't plan on "nesting" your eggs, then you will use this traditional washi egg technique. I "borrowed" the tutorial from a washi egg project that I did last year. 

Here it is--

*However* if you want your set of eggs to really resemble Matryoshka Dolls and want the eggs to "nest" inside each other, a few adjustments will need to be made. I played around with the measurements and technique and here's what I came up with.

Washi "Nesting Egg" Tutorial

Steps 1-2 are the same as above

Step 3 

I changed up one of the measurements.  Instead of .5 cm at the folded edge, Make that line 1 cm. When you cut your vertical lines, you should not cut past this line. All the other measurements remain the same.

Step 4-5 are the same as above

Step 6

Plastic eggs are not created equal, so the center break will vary. I took the top half of the egg, lined up the paper and made sure that the "pickets" reached the top center. Then I marked the paper where the half egg ended and cut the paper lengthwise down the center. None of the pickets should fall off.

Apply glue around the edges of the egg and wrap the paper around. Then push down each "picket" one at a time, gluing as you go.

Repeat the process and do this with the bottom part of the egg.

Step 7 is the same as above.

Do the Washi technique on all of your eggs.  Let them dry;  then take a breather. :)  Coming up is the fun part-- Decorating those eggs and turning them into Matryoshkas!  Part 2 coming up next.