Review by VernaVi -- Eggstravagant Easter Eggs

[Verna Coy]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Eggstravagant Easter Eggs" by Maya Elston.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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You may think coloring eggs is a simple activity done once a year for fun. For most of us, that’s what it is. For this author, however, it has been an in-depth study of an art form. In this book, Eggstravagant Easter Eggs by Maya Elston, you have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Easter Egg, its tradition in different cultures, and its art forms in various concepts.

The book begins with a discussion about Easter (as opposed to Christmas) decorating. It talks about different ways to do the presentation of eggs and preferences in style. After this informative introduction, the reader is more than ready to get down to the business of decorating eggs.

The rest of the book is a step by step instructional guide which provides excellent ideas and inspiration to the reader for creative egg-decorating. It lists in order each tool a decorator will need to begin. Her recommendations of specific markers and paints, to different types of eggs made of wood, plastic, or foam, are invaluable. The natural egg can be colored and painted too, although the author cautions that they won’t keep forever (that’s good advice, don’t ask me how I know this).

I loved the way this writer’s style presents things in easy to understand directions without becoming boring. Most instructional books will put a reader to sleep by the third page. This book is not like that. The history and cultural studies this author has compiled into her artwork keep the book moving at a quick pace. A reader never gets to the point of saying to themselves, “blah, blah, eggs, more eggs, blah, blah…” Nope, this book is entertaining, and it inspires people not generally given to egg-decoration to want to try it!

The variety of ideas in this relatively short book is terrific. From Faberge-style eggs to eggs made in the style and pattern of old Italian and Spanish tiles, this book has them all. If you’re the kind of person who needs a few fresh ideas when it comes to patterns for decorating, this is the book for you. This author’s experience and talent are particularly impressive in the egg designs made after the style of Greek vases. I was especially impressed by the artist’s black and white egg designs. Traditionally, most of us see Easter eggs in shades of pastel or bright colors, so it was distinctive to see this original and very striking design work so well.

As an artist myself (I was an artist before I was a writer and book reviewer), I was watchful with this book to see if the author was a genuine artist. I’m happy to say she is very well-educated in art! Her knowledge of paint types, styles, cultural influences, and fundamentals are all present in this well thought out book.

Although some of the designs are complicated and could be quite daunting to new egg-painters, the author encourages the reader not to worry too much about mistakes. The constant encouragement is what I liked most about this book. I believe it will appeal to people with a creative bent to their personality. I do not doubt that a lot of these ideas can be applied to more than just eggs.

I recommend this book, especially to crafters and artists. It is full of ideas and inspiration, in which occasionally artists find themselves in short supply. It seems to be professionally edited and formatted. I found only a few minor errors, none of which affected the book’s message. I am rating this book with 4 out of 4 stars; it is more than deserving of that rating. If you aren’t a particularly crafty person interested in decorating eggs with intricate designs, this book may not appeal to you.

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Eggstravagant Easter Eggs
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