Intro: Carving a lattice and acanthus pattern on an emu egg shell
I created this project with the amazing Faberge eggs in mind. My approach was to combine the precision and beauty of the famous Faberge eggs with mode...
I give the egg a quick wipe down with alcohol to reduce the chances of Salmonella existing on the eggshell. Then wash the shell in water and dry thoro...
Begin by marking a grid pattern on the egg. This can be done by stacking various household items like books or blocks of wood. A better method is to u...
After the lattice is complete, draw on the acanthus columns. I draw the pattern on paper first. This gives me a guide to use when getting the image on...
Step 5: Cut in light outline, remove drawn on lines
Next, using a #171 bit in a high speed engraving tool, I lightly cut each line of the design that will need further attention later in the process. By...
The acanthus columns are now begun. They will be the thickest part of the egg after it is carved. By carving these first the shell remains as strong a...
Again move to a smaller carbide ball burr #1/16. This is used to finish the undercutting. It is really to small to do much carving of large areas. At ...
We now will begin the lattice. Because the outermost layer varies in hardness and surface texture, I will remove it before making the effort to take t...
Time again to change bits. Now I will use a fairly large carbide ball burr #6 to remove the turquoise layer. You will not be able to remove a small am...
When all the diamond shapes are roughed out to the white layer we change burrs yet again to a #699 tapered flat carbide cutter. The end of this burr i...
Step 12: finish removing any signs of the turquoise layer
After cleaning up all the diamond shapes between the lattice lines the burr is changed to a green conical sanding stone. We now remove the small thin ...
13. Time to finish the flowers. The center is left alone in the dark outer layer. The petals are carved with a #4 carbide ball burr by first removing ...
Time to remove the pierced portions. Either the #699 or the #171 can be used for this. The end of these bits will cut so they can be carefully pushed ...
After you are satisfied with the carving and cutting portion of this project, prepare a solution of bleach and water. You will hear many different ide...
After the film is removed, wash the shell thoroughly with lots of water. The point is to be absolutely sure all the bleach is removed. Allow the shell...
Find a stand that you feel is appropriate to your work. I use a super glue style adhesive to hold the egg in it stand. My opinion offered here is to c...
Glue the stand containing your egg shell to the center of the base that comes with a glass dome.Place glass dome over the entire project. I use profes...
In review: • Wash the egg • Draw a grid • Apply the design • Outline the design • Work in layers outside to inside • When finished (if pierced) remove...
This is one of the nicest examples of egg art I've seen in a very long time. You should be very proud and pleased with this, excellent.... standing applause...
PDF Downloads As a Pro member, you will gain access to download any Instructable in the PDF format.
You also have the ability to customize your PDF download.