My first of the 2 jewelry boxes with the curved vertical cut is finished. Emu eggs are big and sturdy and measure about 5 1/2" tall (7" with the stand) and 10 1/2" at the fattest circumference.
So as you might know by now if you've been reading my blog, I start with the egg with its original color, which is a dark and may I say luscious green/black. The surface of the egg itself is very textured and can be fun, if not challenging to work on. I basecoated the egg a pale blue and white and then sketched on my design.
I like to create the design on these particular pieces so that it flows well around all the sides of the egg. I like to have visual interest that is well proportioned and try to carry the design to both halves of the egg. I decided to paint some sweet spring bluebirds, a mother and a baby actually, perched on winding vines.
This is a close-up of the smaller, baby bird. The vines are full of little purple flowers and crystals in different sizes and different colors for lots of sparkle.
This is a view of the back of the egg and as you can see, I've carried the design all the way around and also, when I basecoated the egg, I painted the hinges the same color as the background.
The top is open here, with the inside lining showing.
Last but not least, don't forget where it all stated, the two eggs that I received in the mail are below. This is what the egg originally looked like before I started working. I've got some ideas for the second one, we'll see what I end up doing with it. The bluebird egg is available at my ETSY shop:
http://www.eleganteggart.etsy.com/ .
My first of the 2 jewelry boxes with the curved vertical cut is finished. Emu eggs are big and sturdy and measure about 5 1/2" tall (7" with the stand) and 10 1/2" at the fattest circumference.
So as you might know by now if you've been reading my blog, I start with the egg with its original color, which is a dark and may I say luscious green/black. The surface of the egg itself is very textured and can be fun, if not challenging to work on. I basecoated the egg a pale blue and white and then sketched on my design.
I like to create the design on these particular pieces so that it flows well around all the sides of the egg. I like to have visual interest that is well proportioned and try to carry the design to both halves of the egg. I decided to paint some sweet spring bluebirds, a mother and a baby actually, perched on winding vines.
This is a close-up of the smaller, baby bird. The vines are full of little purple flowers and crystals in different sizes and different colors for lots of sparkle.
This is a view of the back of the egg and as you can see, I've carried the design all the way around and also, when I basecoated the egg, I painted the hinges the same color as the background.
The top is open here, with the inside lining showing.
Last but not least, don't forget where it all stated, the two eggs that I received in the mail are below. This is what the egg originally looked like before I started working. I've got some ideas for the second one, we'll see what I end up doing with it. The bluebird egg is available at my ETSY shop: http://www.eleganteggart.etsy.com/ .
32 comments:
This is beautiful...there is a local artist here that carves ostrich eggs...fabulous...just wanted to stop by and say thank you...thank you...thank you for all of the sweet birthday wishes!
Hope your day is as wonderful as you made mine.
smiles, kari (& kijsa)
Absolutely gorgeous Ruth.... Love the colors and the bluebirds.. stunning
HUGS
JO
Hi Ruth,
Now, this is beautiful!!!
Siobhan
Ruth,
Your eggs are stunning! What lovely designs, and just in time to hear the robins singing and bulding their nests.
Just to let you know, I have tagged you for a 7 random facts post, if you'd like to participate.
Blessings,
Christi
Charm & Grace
Hi Ruth!
Ohhhh! The blue birds are my favorite egg yet! i cannot wait to see what you do on the second one.
Wonderful!
Melissa
Thanks Jo, Siobhan, Christi & Melissa. I do have some ideas for the second one, I'll have to see how it plays out when I actually go to paint it.
Thanks Kari & Kijsa for your visit. It is amazing how artisans can cut and carve these eggs. I do not do the cuts, I purchase them already cleaned out and cut into boxes. The woman who I purchase them from, does a fabulous job with the cuts, they are always exact and beautiful.
Ruth, I love those eggs. I saw some sim in a shop in Asheville NC and your are even more beautiful.
Hi Ruth
Love what you've done with the egg, the little blue birds are beautiful, the placement is perfect. Look forward to seeing what you do with this one's pair
I'm not sure if my first comment went through so have left this second one just in case xo
How pretty! Love your work.
Hugs,
Donna
SWEET SWEET SWEET!
XO
Brook
Ruth, it has turned out so beautifully! What adorable little blue birds. The eggs are an interesting texture, as you say, must be a challenge to work on. Can't wait to see the next one.
Coll :-}
Thanks Janet, Gail, Donna & Brook.
Coll, yes, it is a great surface to work on, it is challenging if you are planning a lot of intricate detail, but in general, it is a lot of fun.
Absolutely Beautiful Ruth!!!!!!!!
Hugs to you!!!!!!
Michelle
Oh, too much! This is simply Stunning!
Sandra Evertson
LOVE this egg! So beautiful and makes me think of spring!
Manuela
Ruth! That is absolutely beautiful! What an amazing piece! I'm in awe...
xo
Melissa
Stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Michelle, Sandra, Manuela, Melissa & Mary. Eggs are one of my passions in painting and I truly enjoy them whenever I get the chance to work on one.
Ruth, you do miracles with these emu eggs. Your talent moves me each time I see it.
This is such a unique surface to paint on Ruth, but you make it seem effortless. Love the spring-themed bluebirds! Beautiful as always.
Thanks Alice...
Suzanne, I love painting eggs, they are a wonderful surface. Egg art is such an old art form and one that I've been collecting for years now. One day I decided that I would really like to get involved in this collectible art form but didn't want to be bothered blowing, cutting or carving eggs, not my thing. I decided then, that I should paint them. It really is a fun surface, I always enjoy holding the egg in my hand as I paint it, I love the way they feel, especially Emu eggs being very textured, they are a lot of fun.
Hi again Ruth...thanks for stopping by. I'm so glad to hear about the birdhouse. Can't wait to see it or give it to my sister for her birthday. Remember...no rush, her birthday is the end of June.
Anyway thanks for the update, talk with you soon.
Hi Ruth,
Oh My! This beautiful piece is outstanding. I love how you have painted the design so that it is seen from all angles. Just stunning!
Penny
I followed a link from Lavender cottage. Your eggs are amazing!
~elaine~
These are very pretty.
My hubby, son and son in law raised Emu back when they were so popular and we had a lot of these pretty, dark green eggs that we sold to artists. Then, of course the bottom fell out of the Emu business and all birds were sold. I didn't save even one of the eggs...what was I thinking?? :)
bj
Thanks Penny & Elaine...
Bj, that is really neat about your family raising Emus. Just so you know, you can readily buy Emu eggs online today, so if you get a desire to have some again, they are pretty easy to find.
Ruth, you do beautiful work! What a gorgeous egg. Wish I had some painting talent like that.
Just want to say Thank You so much! I got the painted tile I won in your giveaway & it is just beautiful. I will have to find just the right spot for it. Thanks for sharing your creations.
Rhoda
I'm here from Penny's as she mentioned you today!
You are amazing, just as she said!
Beautiful!!
This is so beautiful, Ruth! You do amazing work with these eggs. ~ Lynda xox
Wow Ruth!! I have loved all of your Emu Jewlery boxes...but I think this one with the Blue birds and pretty little purple flowers is MY FAVORITE!! ~It is Gorgeous!!
Cat
Thanks Rhoda , Tammy, Lynda & Catherine.
Your blog is an amazing tribute to spring. The blue bird is adorable!
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