How to Make a Large Paper Mâché Eggs (Step-by-Step Guide)

Creating a large paper mâché egg is one of those wonderfully simple crafts that looks far more impressive than it is complicated. Whether you’re making Easter decorations, sculptural home décor, or a centrepiece for a seasonal display, paper mâché eggs are lightweight, affordable, and endlessly customisable.

How to Make a Large Paper Mâché Eggs

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make large paper mâché eggs, including tips for getting a smooth finish and shaping it so it actually looks like an egg (not just a balloon).

Why Make a Large Paper Mâché Egg?

Large paper mâché eggs are ideal if you want:

• Oversized Easter decorations without heavy materials

• Sculptural, minimalist décor for shelves or windows

• A base for decoupage, paint, or botanical finishes

• A sustainable craft using mostly recycled paper

They’re also perfect if you live in a flat or apartment - lightweight, easy to store, and safe to hang.

Cracked Large Paper Mâché Egg

What You’ll Need

Materials

• A large balloon (punch balloons work best)

• Newspaper or brown paper (torn, not cut)

• White PVA glue

• Water

• Masking tape

Tools

• Bowl

• Scissors or craft knife

• Old surface cover or newspaper

Optional (for a smoother finish)

• White tissue paper

• Fine sandpaper

• Lightweight filler or gesso

Paper Mâché Egg Decorated with Decoupage paper

Step 1: Create the Egg Shape

Inflate your balloon to the size you want. For a more realistic egg shape:

• Gently pinch one end of the balloon

• Secure it with masking tape to create a narrower “top”

• Sit the balloon in a bowl to stop it rolling while you work

Step 2: Make the Paper Mâché Paste

Mix:

• 2 parts PVA glue

• 1 part water

Stir until smooth. The mixture should be runny but not watery — it should coat the paper without dripping excessively.

Step 3: Apply the First Layer

Tear your paper into strips (rough edges stick better than straight cuts).

1. Dip each strip into the glue mixture

2. Run it between your fingers to remove excess glue

3. Lay the strip over the balloon, overlapping slightly

Cover the entire balloon except for a small opening at the bottom. This is important for removing the balloon later.

Let the first layer dry completely.

Step 4: Build Strength with Multiple Layers

For a large paper mâché egg, you’ll need:

• At least 3 layers (small display eggs)

• 4–5 layers (large or freestanding eggs)

Allow each layer to dry fully before adding the next. Rushing this step can cause sagging or mould.

Tip:Use brown paper or kraft paper for one of the middle layers — it adds noticeable strength.

Step 5: Remove the Balloon

Once the egg feels completely hard:

• Pop the balloon through the opening

• Gently pull it out

• Trim the opening neatly with scissors if needed

You should now have a lightweight but sturdy paper mâché egg shell.

Step 6: Smooth the Surface (Optional but Recommended)

If you want a clean, modern or ceramic-style look:

Option 1: Tissue paper

• Apply 1–2 layers of white tissue paper using diluted glue

Option 2: Sanding

• Lightly sand once fully dry to remove ridges

Option 3: Filler

• Apply a thin layer of lightweight filler, then sand smooth

This step makes a huge difference if you plan to paint the egg white or neutral tones.

Step 7: Paint or Decorate Your Egg

You can keep things simple or go decorative:

• Chalky white or off-white for a sculptural look

• Soft pastels for Easter

• Speckled paint for a natural, stone-like effect

• Decoupage with botanical prints or paper cut-outs

Large paper mâché eggs look especially good when styled in groups or displayed on bowls, plinths, or shelves.

Styling Tip: Turn Your Paper Mâché Egg into a Hidden Easter Treat

Styling Tip: Turn Your Paper Mâché Egg into a Hidden Easter Treat

If you’re making your paper mâché egg as a decorative piece and a surprise, try filling it with small chocolate Easter eggs wrapped in soft, muted colours. Pastel foils, speckled wrappers, or matte finishes work especially well and won’t distract from the handmade look.

To elevate it:

• Line the inside of the egg with tissue paper, wood wool, or shredded kraft paper

• Choose wrappers in sage, blush, lavender, cream, or soft gold

• Leave the opening visible, or rest the egg on its side so the chocolates gently spill out

It’s a lovely way to combine craft and gifting — the egg works as a sculptural decoration first, with the chocolates revealed as a subtle Easter detail rather than the main focus.

Other Styling Ideas for Large Paper Mâché Eggs

• Use as a table centrepiece with moss or dried flowers

• Display a set of three in different sizes

• Cut an oval opening and turn it into a nest-style sculpture

• Hang lightweight eggs in a window or from branches

Final Thoughts

Making a large paper mâché egg is a satisfying, low-cost craft that fits beautifully into slow living, seasonal décor, and sustainable DIY projects. With just paper, glue, and a bit of patience, you can create a statement piece that looks far more refined than its humble materials suggest.

If you enjoyed this project, you might also like:

• Paper mâché lampshades

• Decorative bowls made from recycled paper

• Sculptural Easter decorations using simple materials

FAQs: How to Make a Large Paper Mâché Eggs

1. How long does a large paper mâché egg take to dry?

   Usually 24–48 hours, depending on size, layers, and humidity.

2. Can I make a paper mâché egg without a balloon?

   Yes — you can build around a cardboard armature, but balloons are easier for smooth shapes.

3. Is paper mâché strong enough for large decorations?

   Yes, as long as you use enough layers and let each one dry fully.

4. Can I make it waterproof?

   Paper mâché is not waterproof, but you can seal it with varnish for indoor use.

5. What paper works best?

   Newspaper for flexibility, brown paper for strength, tissue paper for smooth finishes.