Official Review: Eggstravagant Easter Eggs by Maya Elston

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Eggstravagant Easter Eggs" by Maya Elston.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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In Eggstravagant Easter Eggs: Over 200 Ideas for Artistic Looking Eggs, artist and author, Maya Elston, provides detailed instructions for creating a variety of beautifully decorated eggs using an assortment of different mediums. After observing a collection of the decorated eggs she had given friends preserved in a lovely antique glass-top table display, Elston was inspired to create more eggs and write this book. She originally planned to include 50 of her designs but ended up with over 200.

These are not your not your momma's Easter eggs--I found their museum-quality beauty breathtaking. While Elston cautions that her "eggsquisite" tutorials aren't for children, and the eggs are intended for decorative purposes only, one doesn't have to be an artist to create them. Elston not only shares her tips for which mediums work best on different types of eggs; she also includes her sources for purchasing her favorite supplies. For example, she buys the wooden eggs she prefers for many of her designs at local craft stores, rather than online, so she can visibly judge their smoothness. Additionally, Elston includes mentions of mistakes she has made to help readers avoid them.

There's a lot to like about this comprehensive how-to book. First, I am awed by Elston's artistic talent and creativity. My words won't do justice to her vibrant photographs, but try to imagine eggs decorated as antique cameos or colorful Italian tiles. As readers become absorbed in her mini masterpieces, they can easily visualize the impact of a grouped collection, such as the one described in the opening paragraph. I consider myself a creative person, and while I have previously created similar versions of her polka dot and spray-painted eggs, the majority of Elston's designs are on a whole different level. The book left me inspired and ready to tackle some new techniques.

As someone who has shared step-by-step tutorials for various home decor projects, I am familiar with the fact that giving verbal instructions is often easier than penning them in writing. However, Elston does a skillful job of thoroughly providing clear and concise steps for her designs. She also cautions readers regarding projects that are more difficult or time-consuming. I particularly appreciated a few of her tips I haven't previously noted in the do-it-yourself community, including adding rice to empty eggs for weight and using painter's tape not only for marking but as part of geometrical designs.

Additionally, the book was exceptionally edited. In fact, there wasn't a single thing I disliked about this artistic feast for the eyes. I'm pleased to rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to readers who appreciate art and how-to books. Fans of historical traditions will enjoy Elston's insight regarding the symbolism of eggs throughout the years. Due to the beautiful photography and creative inspiration it provides, I believe the book will also appeal to a wider audience.

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Eggstravagant Easter Eggs
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Like Cecilia_L's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Kristy Khem]

This sounds like a book I would enjoy reading! I'm always looking for new DIY ideas and with Easter approaching, this book would be helpful. I'd definitely try the painter's tape idea to make geometric patterns on Easter eggs! Great review!

[Cecilia_L]

This sounds like a book I would enjoy reading! I'm always looking for new DIY ideas and with Easter approaching, this book would be helpful. I'd definitely try the painter's tape idea to make geometric patterns on Easter eggs! Great review!

Thanks, Kristy. I bet you'll enjoy it.

[kandscreeley]

I wish I was more artistic, but I'm not. I would love to see the author's designs. However, I doubt I'd get much more out of this one. Thanks.

[Cecilia_L]

I wish I was more artistic, but I'm not. I would love to see the author's designs. However, I doubt I'd get much more out of this one. Thanks.

Thanks for stopping by.

[InStoree]

Art comes in many forms. Maya's Elton method is through eggs. From your review, I can tell she is an astounding egg designer. Also, the book seems to be easy-to-follow steps hence her reader could become a little artist too. I am eager to see her work. Thank you for your review!

[Cecilia_L]

Art comes in many forms. Maya's Elton method is through eggs. From your review, I can tell she is an astounding egg designer. Also, the book seems to be easy-to-follow steps hence her reader could become a little artist too. I am eager to see her work. Thank you for your review!

Thanks for your comment.

[EvelynBlake]

This sounds perfect for a crafty person! Every Easter it's all same old, same old. Sounds like this book has some fresh ideas

[Cecilia_L]

This sounds perfect for a crafty person! Every Easter it's all same old, same old. Sounds like this book has some fresh ideas

Thanks for your comment, Evelyn.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

This is a comprehensive guide book providing easy-to-follow ideas, designs, and techniques for crafting artistic Easter eggs. The book has a free sample on Amazon Kindle and has an amazing OnlineBookClub review that highlighted the book perfectly. Congrats on the BOTD selecion.

[shannonkate8]

I'm really excited to go through this book. This is definitely something to pull out during all the Easter prep.

[Amy+++]

What a fun way to decorate Easter eggs. I never would have thought to use some of these mediums.

[Becccccca+98]

Wow! Definitely sounds like a good way to get more creative this easter !

[cindyr2416]

Great review. I am all about diy and new ideas. This is something I’m interested in. I can’t imagine how much time it took to make them but I’m willing to try it out. I’ll add this to my list.

[lvcimino]

I love books like this. I am always looking to learn new things and learning how to make these beautiful eggs would be a feather in my hat. I can't wait to show off. My first one I want to try is the Festive Eggs with Ribbons. Using ribbons will mean I don't have to worry about painting a straight line.