Review by moviefanator -- Eggstravagant Easter Eggs
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moviefanator
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- Latest Review: Eggstravagant Easter Eggs by Maya Elston
Review by moviefanator -- Eggstravagant Easter Eggs
[Following is a volunteer review of "Eggstravagant Easter Eggs" by Maya Elston.]
Eggstravagant Easter Eggs: Over 200 Ideas For Artistic Looking Eggs by Maya Elston is an enjoyable read and an easy-to-follow hands-on tutorial on decorating eggs with intricate designs. The book is suitable for anyone interested in decorating eggs, be it professional artists, hobbyists or people who simply enjoy doing arts and crafts.
Since decorating eggs is not common in all Christian cultures, I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this little book. I grew up in a country where eggs are always dyed for Easter, and I still remember the joy of preparing the eggs, decorating them and then marvelling at the beautiful patterns on Easter day. The excitement could only be compared to decorating the Christmas tree and opening the presents on Christmas day. As an adult I continue to find a lot of delight in painting Easter eggs. While this is, strictly speaking, a folk tradition practised at home with the family, Elston manages to take it further. She turns the ritual into an arts and crafts activity that could easily help you unleash your creativity, whether it’s Easter or not.
The best thing about this book is that it’s very well-structured, logically organized and all the instructions are easy to follow. The first few chapters offer tips on choosing eggs (real, plastic or wooden ones) and buying the right materials and tools (dyes, paints, brushes, etc.). There’s a brief chapter on the history of decorating eggs but that’s kept short, which is good because ultimately this is a practical book, not a history of art or ethnographic traditions.
The bulk of the book focuses on different methods for decorating the eggs. There are chapters dedicated to different styles and patterns. This is where the author’s artistic imagination shines through and it offers the reader plenty of inspiration. The book begins with ideas for simple decorations and gradually moves on to more complex and challenging techniques, such as ideas for painting eggs like Greek vases, oriental rugs, Mediterranean tiles and ethnic embroideries.
The best thing is that the author describes in great detail everything she does to achieve the desired effect. First, Elston explains how each different type of dye or paint can alter the colour or create a certain effect. Then she explains the use of different types of brushes, glues and tapes. She even breaks down the drawing process in a way that is easily grasped. She shows visually how to paint complex patterns by first sketching simple symmetrical lines. Thus, the reader feels confident and encouraged to try their hand at drawing highly intricate patterns.
The only thing I found a bit frustrating is that the author mentions a lot of branded materials (brushes, dyes and glues) that seem to be manufactured and sold in North America. Many of these brands might not be sold in other countries. Personally, I’ve never seen them in stores here in Europe.
Overall, Elston’s book is a highly enjoyable, practical and easy-to-follow tutorial on decorating eggs. The author turns a complex and challenging craft into a simple, enjoyable activity. The book is highly detailed, very well-organised and beautifully illustrated. That’s why I give Eggstravagant Easter Eggs 4 out of 4 stars .
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Eggstravagant Easter Eggs
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Eggstravagant Easter Eggs: Over 200 Ideas For Artistic Looking Eggs by Maya Elston is an enjoyable read and an easy-to-follow hands-on tutorial on decorating eggs with intricate designs. The book is suitable for anyone interested in decorating eggs, be it professional artists, hobbyists or people who simply enjoy doing arts and crafts.
Since decorating eggs is not common in all Christian cultures, I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this little book. I grew up in a country where eggs are always dyed for Easter, and I still remember the joy of preparing the eggs, decorating them and then marvelling at the beautiful patterns on Easter day. The excitement could only be compared to decorating the Christmas tree and opening the presents on Christmas day. As an adult I continue to find a lot of delight in painting Easter eggs. While this is, strictly speaking, a folk tradition practised at home with the family, Elston manages to take it further. She turns the ritual into an arts and crafts activity that could easily help you unleash your creativity, whether it’s Easter or not.
The best thing about this book is that it’s very well-structured, logically organized and all the instructions are easy to follow. The first few chapters offer tips on choosing eggs (real, plastic or wooden ones) and buying the right materials and tools (dyes, paints, brushes, etc.). There’s a brief chapter on the history of decorating eggs but that’s kept short, which is good because ultimately this is a practical book, not a history of art or ethnographic traditions.
The bulk of the book focuses on different methods for decorating the eggs. There are chapters dedicated to different styles and patterns. This is where the author’s artistic imagination shines through and it offers the reader plenty of inspiration. The book begins with ideas for simple decorations and gradually moves on to more complex and challenging techniques, such as ideas for painting eggs like Greek vases, oriental rugs, Mediterranean tiles and ethnic embroideries.
The best thing is that the author describes in great detail everything she does to achieve the desired effect. First, Elston explains how each different type of dye or paint can alter the colour or create a certain effect. Then she explains the use of different types of brushes, glues and tapes. She even breaks down the drawing process in a way that is easily grasped. She shows visually how to paint complex patterns by first sketching simple symmetrical lines. Thus, the reader feels confident and encouraged to try their hand at drawing highly intricate patterns.
The only thing I found a bit frustrating is that the author mentions a lot of branded materials (brushes, dyes and glues) that seem to be manufactured and sold in North America. Many of these brands might not be sold in other countries. Personally, I’ve never seen them in stores here in Europe.
Overall, Elston’s book is a highly enjoyable, practical and easy-to-follow tutorial on decorating eggs. The author turns a complex and challenging craft into a simple, enjoyable activity. The book is highly detailed, very well-organised and beautifully illustrated. That’s why I give Eggstravagant Easter Eggs 4 out of 4 stars .
******
Eggstravagant Easter Eggs
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Eggstravagant Easter Eggs by Maya Elston
