CAMEO - a Goose Eggshell Decorated With Paper Clay

This is an original Faberge-style goose egg design using molded paper clay for the main decoration.

A fun and rewarding art form which is very fiddly and exacting as fine measurements and details matter. A great craft to learn patience.

Supplies

For this first stage, you will need the following:

Paint the eggshell with several thin coats of Mod Podge matte to strengthen the shell
Use the hairdryer on low heat in between coats to speed up this process
Lightly sand when completely dry
Measure the widest part of the egg
Divide this measurement into 3 to mark the placement of the ovals
Place the egg in the egg marker and draw lines at equal distances from the top and the base
Use an oval template, the egg marker or hand draw the 3 ovals (the size of the bead mold) with equal space in between each oval
Continue to draw up the guidelines as shown (sorry, mine is a bit messy)
Carefully cut out the 3 ovals using a 6mm curved diamond blade in the Dremmel or air tool
Using the pencil, number each oval and the shell so you know where it was cut from

For this second stage, you will need the following:

To support the reversed ovals, create a 'sling' using strips of narrow paper. Cut vertical and horizontal strips as shown and secure them with small pieces of paper tape by going through one of the other ovals. Repeat with the second oval
The 3rd oval is more challenging. Cut and make the sling
Carefully insert it into the oval pressing the ends onto the shell using the foot on the lace draper and using long tweezers and the lace draper, place inside the securing pieces
There should be enough slack that the oval will rest on the tape 'sling' and meet at the edges
Adjust the slings where needed so that the oval sits close to the cut edge - another very fiddly part

For this third stage, you will need the following:

Take the cut oval piece and place it onto the 'sling' of the corresponding number
Use the fine gap filler in the gap around the oval as shown
Smooth it out with the spatula or finger as you go until it is filled
Allow the filler to dry thoroughly
Lightly sand if needed to smooth out any rough spots

For this fourth stage, you will need the following:

Using the pencil, finish drawing up your design for the paint lines
Using the lavender color, paint the oval and an even measure around the rim as shown
Make sure the paint is thinned with water so as not to leave brush marks
Do several coats, drying thoroughly in between coats, and when fully dry, lightly sand
Paint the wooden base with the lavender color
Brush over the lavender color on the eggshell and base with Mod Podge Matte to seal
Next paint the white areas. When fully dry brush with Mod Podge Gloss
Quickly sprinkle over the wet area with the pearl glitter, and gently tap off the excess
When dry, coat the glittered areas with Mod Podge Gloss

For this fifth stage, you will need the following:

Fill the cameo and bead molds with the paper clay, making 3 of each.
Using the paper clay, make 3 small roses to go onto the side filigrees and the larger rose with 3 rose leaves for the finial top.
Paper clay is easy to mold so keep the roses simple and petite
When dry, trim and seal all pieces with Mod Podge Gloss
Paint 2 thin coats of acrylic pearl paint on the pearl oval, cameos, and roses plus leaves

For this sixth stage, you will need the following:

Glue the cameo in the center of each oval followed by the pearl oval
Use the lace draper to move them carefully into place
Put the glue in a fine line along the white glittered edges. Place the white braid on top and carefully miter the joins with sharp scissors
Press each join with the foot of the lace draper to make a neat finish
Trim the base with the braids as shown making your joins invisible

For this seventh stage, you will need the following:

Mix the two-part epoxy for a few minutes and glue the filigrees in between each oval making sure they are at the same height
When thoroughly dry, mix another small amount of epoxy and glue a rose onto the center of each filigree
I usually glue all the filigrees simultaneously, including the stand onto the base
You can use pieces of paper tape to secure each glued piece until completely dry

For this final stage, you will need the following:

Using epoxy, glue the stand to the painted and decorated base making sure it is centered.
Now, place the base with stand onto a piece of A4 and at eye level so you can turn it to make sure it is perfectly upright
When this is dry, place the egg onto the base, noting where it connects
Add a little epoxy glue to those points and place the eggshell back onto the stand
Turn it carefully, adjusting where necessary so that the egg will be perfectly straight
Now the finishing touch. With a toothpick, touch the underside edges of the filigree with epoxy glue and place it onto the center point of the top of the egg. When dry, glue the rose with leaves onto the center of the filigree
Well done, your egg is finished!