These egg holders are proving very popular on our website (www.cadeauxdelaforge.fr), and as Easter is just around the corner I thought I would put instructions for making them on here.

They look great with a small chocolate egg in and wrapped in cellophane and make a more useful and lasting Easter present than a chocolate egg on its own!

You will need:

A scroll saw with appropriate blade for the wood you are using
Piece of hardwood approx. 2cm thick
Pattern (see Step 1)
Masking tape
Glue stick
Clear tape
Pillar drill
Forstner bit, or spade bit, or hole saw - size 35 - 40mm
Sandpaper
Dremel router (not essential)
Oil to finish

If you are an experienced scroll sawer this could well seem like teaching my Grandma to suck the eggs that go in the egg holders, but I am hoping it could also inspire some folk who are new to the hobby.

Step 1:

You will need a simple animal outline to use as your pattern. You could draw your own, or use an picture from a child's colouring book.

The picture will need to be large enough for you to draw a circle inside that corresponds to the size of your drill bit.

Cut the picture out, leaving a small margin around the edges, except for the lower edge.

Step 2:

Cover the wood with masking tape and glue the pattern on using the glue stick.
Make sure the lower edge is on a straight edge of the wood - this will enable the finished egg holder to stand upright when not in use.
Cover the pattern and masking tape with clear tape. This not only helps the pattern to stay put, but can help to lubricate the scroll saw blade when cutting thick hardwood.

Step 3:

Carefully cut round the edges of the pattern with the scroll saw.
Cut out the hole in the pattern using the pillar drill and your chosen drill bit.
Peel the pattern away from the wood.

Step 4:

If you have a Dremel (or similar) router you can round the edges of the wood.

Carefully sand all surfaces smooth and wipe clean.

Finish your egg holder with whatever oil you choose, applying how ever many coats the instructions on the oil dictate.