Decoupage Easter Eggs with Patterned Napkins

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   Before you decorate the eggs, boil them properly first—there are a few rules to follow. Let's get started. Take the eggs out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature, about 1 hour. So they don't roll around and knock into each other while cooking, use a small pot that fits them snugly.

2. Step 2:

   

   Put the eggs in the pot with cold water. Add salt at a rate of 2 tablespoons per quart (liter). This keeps the eggs from cracking, and even if one does crack, the white won't leak out. One minute after the water comes to a boil, lower the heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, no longer. It's important not to overcook them, or the white turns rubbery and the yolk develops an unpleasant grayish film. Cool the hot eggs.

3. Step 3:

   

   Now make the flour paste. Whisk the flour into 1/2 cup of boiling water, mix well, and let it cool to room temperature.

4. Step 4:

   

   Prepare the napkins. Peel them apart into separate plies, keeping only the top printed layer. It's best to choose napkins with a small-scale pattern, since those are easier to cut and look prettier arranged on the egg—but you can work with larger designs too. Cut out the pieces of the pattern.

5. Step 5:

   

   Arrange the pieces on the eggs one at a time and glue them down with the flour paste and an ordinary brush. Let them dry on an egg rack (I used the plastic one that usually sits in the fridge) for 2-3 hours. Then move the eggs to wherever you'll keep them until Easter.

6. Step 6:

   

   You can pack the eggs in a gift box, dress it up with some tinsel, and wish your family and friends a happy holiday.