Easter Surprises: Treat Filled Hollow Eggs

Although no one knows exactly who dyed the very first Easter egg, it is certain that the use of eggs in celebrations dates back to the earliest of times and was a popular symbol of Spring or rebirth in countless religions around the world.

Nowadays, at Easter one sees eggs in a variety of incarnations: as chocolate or marshmallow confections, hard boiled, dyed and decorated or of course the common but colorful "snap apart" plastic versions, ready to be filled with candies and tiny surprises and artfully hidden away.

Who doesn't remember happily romping around a grassy lawn in search of these pastel orbs, snapping them open to reveal a handful of sugary sweets? This year I thought I'd try a twist on these classics by filling real eggs instead of the usual, admittedly much easier, plastic versions.

Seems "refilling" real eggs is nothing new. An online search led me to carcasons or cascarones: The confetti filled eggshells from a centuries old European tradition which were playfully cracked over unsuspecting people's heads by friends and admirers. Instead of confetti, I filled my eggs, like their plastic imposters, with tiny wrapped treats, toys or Easter messages and skipped the bopping on the head element.

You'll need

Eggs (I used jumbo size)

Easter Printables (I used images from the Graphic's Fairy)

Craft accessories: ribbon, glitter, etc

Paint which will adhere to egg surface

Hot glue 

Small treats, toys or Easter messages 

(appropriate to guests' age)

The How To's in a nut (or eggshell)

Carefully crack eggs in center trying to keep both halves as evenly sized as possible, draining contents into bowl for other use if desired. ( I made a Spring frittata)  Alternately you can poke a hole in eggs, carefully widening opening until it is large enough to insert chosen treats easily. Of course, these shells are very fragile so you might want to make a few extras in case of "unfortunate accidents."

Rinse eggshells thoroughly and drain on paper towels until completely dry. You may want to gently wipe inside with paper towel or q- tip.

I left some of the eggs white and painted others in natural tones using a chalky finish paint I recently found from Decoart in "whisper" and "vintage" shades, which I'm completely smitten with.

Once paint is dry, carefully fill eggs with mini treasures or greetings. I used wrapped candies for food safety in case any egg remained. If egg in is in two pieces, you can hot glue closed for extra sturdiness.

Camouflage with ribbon or trim

Gently decorate with ribbons or printed accents making sure to conceal any cracks or openings. No need to get too fussy, as these are meant to be broken. I used craft scraps stick-on jewels and cut an unbleached coffee filter for flair.
images created using free art from the graphics fairy 

The fun part is making each one different

and having guests crack them open for a cute surprise

They can be displayed on egg cups

or as here on a glittered dollar store candlestick
You could also personalize with names for a whimsical place setting

I arranged mine in a grapevine wreath lined with moss and florals to form a nest.

A cheerful sign gives instructions for curious guests.

Display with Springtime friends and decor.

For More PennyWise Springtime & Easter ideas 
visit my "a good egg" post
 where I make shadow box eggs...

or 

my teatime on the bunny trail for tea time treats and decor

Wishing you all 

the delights

 of Spring