Nail polish is one of those things that I have a lot of, but don’t tend to use much as I always manage to chip/bite/scrape it off within two days of putting it on.

It’s hard to resist those little pots of fabulous colour though (probably explains why I have so many!) and even though it’s not used for the intended purpose, I’ve found other good ways to put nail polish to good use. After great results with the marbled Christmas tree baubles, I got inspired after falling down the Pinterest hole and discovering how to marble eggs – just in time for Easter!

And oh, look how pretty they are! Here’s how to make them yourself.

*Warning, it’s going to get messy so keep the nail polish remover on hand and cover all surfaces with news paper. Make sure you do this in a well ventilated space as it will get quite fumey and don’t forget to wear gloves! 

You’ll need:

• At least 6 blown eggs
• Skewers
• A plastic bowl
• Warm water
• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover
• Gloves

1. First, prepare your eggs by removing the yolk and white. Do this by carefully making a small hole at either end of the egg (I find a thumbtack or needle works well). The bottom should be slightly bigger than the top. Gently blow into the smaller hole, until the egg is empty.

Rinse the inside of the egg with water, and place on a wooden skewer ready to be marbled.

2. Take a medium-sized bowl (not your best china, the inside will eventually get covered in nail polish) and fill with warm water.

4.Slowly pour the nail polish onto the surface of the water. Make sure to hold the bottle as close to the surface of the water as you can when you are pouring, this will ensure the nail polish doesn’t sink to the bottom of the bowl. Repeat with two or three more colours.

5. Using a wooden skewer, marble the nail polish, starting from the middle of the bowl, and working outwards.   This takes a bit of practice – if you find the nail polish is getting stuck to the skewer, just remove and start again. I find it helps to have a little bit of water in the egg.

 

 

6.Holding the skewer at one end, and with the other hand, gently roll the egg over the nail polish. Balance on another bowl with the skewer through the middle – you don’t want it touching any surfaces until it’s completely dry.

7.Collect the excess nail polish off the surface of the water with another skewer. Make a few, and showcase in a basket or bowl surrounded by some pretty flowers!

What crafts are you making for easter?