Cracking creativity – how Salvos Stores help Victoria’s eggers shine

Guild president Helen Schweiger puts the finishing touches to another beautiful egg creation, and (right) this Snow Queen is one such example of the exquisite work undertaken by the egg decorators, affectionately known as the Eggers!

BY LERISSE SMITH

They affectionately call themselves the Eggers – and thrive on the act of egging! And with Easter just around the corner, the Victorian Egg Decorators Guild is once again cracking open their imaginations, turning real eggshells into egg-citing masterpieces – with Salvos Stores helping bring their creations to life.

“Eggs symbolise new beginnings and rebirth,” says Helen Schweiger, Guild President, who has loved her craft for the past 28 years.

“This is fitting as we use many items found in Salvos Stores in our egg creations, such as jewellery, haberdashery, fabric and even candle holders as stands. We are great recyclers!

“We find that when we go into The Salvation Army stores, there are just so many little bits and pieces that get put out that maybe no one has a purpose for except for us, and often they’re in small quantities, which is just fine for us. The only place you can pick them up is really second-hand – and it just gives your egg some originality.”

So, how did this egg-straordinary group hatch?

It was founded in 1991 and meets regularly in Ashburton, Melbourne. From humble beginnings with just four people eager to share ideas and skills, it now boasts over 50 members.

The members work on the very smallest eggs, such as finch or budgie eggs, up to the largest ostrich eggs. Their colourful creations are often on full display at agricultural shows, including The Red Hill Show and The Whittlesea Show.

And that’s just the beginning.

Guild members also showcase their egg creations at libraries, craft shows and community talks. The response at these events is always overwhelmingly positive. People are fascinated – men, in particular, are drawn to the intricate cutting processes.

Originality drives every design of the stunning egg designs. Crafting intricate goose, duck, emu, and ostrich eggs can take anywhere from a few hours to hundreds of hours.

Originality drives every design. The unique craft is far from your average weekend project. Crafting intricate goose, duck, emu and ostrich eggs can take anywhere from a few hours to hundreds of hours.

With precision craft drills in hand, members carve intricate lattice patterns, tiny doors, miniature drawers and more. Many eggs showcase rotating platforms, lights and moving parts.

The only limit is imagination.

“Jewel boxes, bells, chess sets, music boxes, cake toppers, clock surrounds ... the list goes on!” says Helen.

“One member, Lorraine, has even made many wonders of the world, including the Sydney Opera House, out of eggshells! You can use eggs as a canvas for painting, ribbon embroidery and diamond dots. Our artists create carved and intricate cut eggs, hanging eggs, eggs in eggs and multiple-egg structures. There is no limit to the range of techniques for decorating eggs.”

Egg decorating is a mental workout. From figuring out how to cut a shell without breaking it to fitting clocks, lights, or music boxes inside, each project is an artistic endeavour. No egg is too small or too large to inspire creativity.

Egg decorating is also a mental workout.

From figuring out how to cut a shell without breaking it to fitting clocks, lights or music boxes inside, each project is an artistic endeavour. Meetings with themed challenges, such as Hanging Eggs or Halloween, spark ideas and push members to try new techniques.

No egg is too small or too large to inspire creativity.

From tiny quail eggs to massive ostriches, every shell is a challenge. Members source their own eggs, which are farmed for this purpose, with the goose egg being the most commonly used by decorators.

The guild has also made a lasting mark in publishing. In 1996, it published its first book, Exquisite Eggs, followed by More Exquisite Eggs. Written by members, the books are celebrated teaching aids and sources of inspiration for both new and seasoned decorators, selling across Australia, America and England.

Believed to be Australia’s last guild of its kind, it has also sent delegations overseas and hosted international teachers. Egging weekends, held across the state, have become a regular fixture.

The committee enjoys engaging with crafters of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Anyone from any craft background is welcome, with workshops and talks all part of the fun.

Eggers in the process of making their works of art and (right) Guild President Helen Schweiger selling egg creations at a recent event.

“A lot of the members in the guild are people prepared to have a go and are a bit of a jack of all trades,” says Helen.

“They’re like, ‘Oh, you can do that. You can cut the top off that wine glass, and you can use that as a stand!’ You really admire what a lot of the other members can do.”

So, what keeps the Guild President hooked on this one-of-a-kind craft?

“Just creating something that looks beautiful,” she reflects. “I can imagine something in my head and then bring it to fruition. I just like to do things a little bit differently. A lot of my designs are very intricate. I tend to like antiques.”

And no egg conversation is complete without a nod to the famous Fabergé eggs.

“Many eggs are made in the style of Fabergé,” says Helen. “Only ours are real eggs with imitation jewels, whereas Fabergé’s eggs are imitation eggs with real jewels!”

*For more details on the guild and egg decorating, visit their website: www.victorianeggdecoratorsguild.com.au or Instagram @vic.egg.decorators.guild.inc

Guild members showcase their eye-catching egg creations at libraries, craft shows, and community talks. The response at these events is always overwhelmingly positive.