A charming Easter craft you’ll want to display all season long
After making a gift topiary for Christmas last year, I knew I wanted to try my hand at creating a spring version. There’s something so special about handmade seasonal décor… especially when it doubles as a statement piece. When I saw the Easter Botanical Illustrated Metal Bucket Planters, I immediately pictured a soft, cottage-inspired Easter egg topiary sitting inside one of them.
If you love affordable home decor, enjoy DIY projects, or want to add a little farmhouse charm to your spring decorating, this DIY paper mâché egg topiary is the perfect project. It looks high-end, feels nostalgic, and can be styled in so many beautiful ways.
Today I’m walking you through exactly how to make your own, plus a few styling ideas to make it shine in your home.
Why You’ll Love This DIY
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Budget-friendly craft using basic supplies
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Customizable to match farmhouse, cottagecore, or modern spring décor
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Makes a beautiful centerpiece or entryway display
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Perfect for gifting or displaying in decorative buckets and planters
Supplies You’ll Need
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Newspaper
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Balloon
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Flour
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Water
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Bowl for mixing
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Spray paint (white)
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Decorative napkins (I made 3 eggs so used 3 different designs)
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Mod Podge
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Paintbrush
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Dowel (I used a 1” dowel)
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Decorative additions such as moss and faux flowers
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Craft knife or scissors
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut Newspaper Strips
Cut approximately 1-inch strips out of newspaper. You can also tear them as torn edges blend together better when layering.
2. Blow Up a Balloon
Blow up your balloon to the size you want your egg. Prop it up in a bowl or cup to keep it steady while you work. I wanted to stack 3 egg shapes, so I made a small, medium, and large size.
3. Mix Your Paper Mâché
Mix flour and water in a 1:2 ratio (1 part flour to 2 parts water). Stir until smooth and free of lumps.
4. Apply the Paper Mâché
Dip a strip of newspaper into the mixture. Using two fingers on either side of the strip, gently squeeze off the excess paste. Lay the strip across the balloon and smooth it down. Repeat until the entire balloon is covered.
For extra durability, apply two coats. You can do the second coat immediately or allow the first layer to dry before adding another.
5. Pop the Balloon (Important!)
Once the paper mâché is mostly dry and can hold its shape, pop the balloon.
Tip: If you wait until it fully dries, the outer shell shrinks as it dries and causes cracking. This happened to me, and I had to repair my egg shapes!
6. Cut Openings for the Dowel
After everything is fully dry, cut small holes in the top and bottom of your egg (or wherever you want the dowel rod to run through).
7. Stack and Spray Paint
Stack your eggs onto the dowel and spray paint them white. This step is key! The white base coat prevents newspaper print from showing through when you add decorative napkins.
8. Prep Your Napkins
Peel apart your napkins until you have just the single patterned layer. Cut smaller sections of the design. Larger pieces will wrinkle when wrapped around the egg shape.
9. Apply Mod Podge
Brush Mod Podge onto the egg. Place your cut-out napkin section onto the wet surface. Gently brush another thin layer of Mod Podge over the top. Be careful… once wet, the napkin becomes delicate. Repeat until your egg is fully covered.
10. Add Finishing Touches
Let everything dry completely. With the eggs secured on the dowel, add moss around the base and between egg layers. Tuck in faux flowers or greenery for a soft farmhouse or cottagecore look.
11. Style Your Topiary
Place your finished egg topiary inside one of the Easter Botanical Illustrated Metal Bucket Planters for the sweetest Easter display.
You could also style it in:
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A white ceramic planter
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A rustic wood crate
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A woven basket
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A galvanized metal bucket for farmhouse vibes
The illustrated bunny scenes paired with the soft floral eggs create that perfect nostalgic spring moment.
Styling Tips for a High-End Look
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Stick to soft pastel napkins for cottagecore charm
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Use muted neutrals for modern farmhouse style
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Add twine bows between egg layers for texture
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Display on an entryway table with layered spring décor
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Pair with affordable home decor accents like lanterns or faux tulips
This project makes a beautiful centerpiece for Easter brunch, a charming mantle display, or a thoughtful handmade gift.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about creating your own seasonal home decor. This DIY paper mâché egg topiary is inexpensive, customizable, and full of farmhouse-inspired charm. Whether you lean toward modern farmhouse or cottagecore decorating, it’s a statement piece that feels personal and timeless.
If you try this project, I’d love to see how you style it! Don’t forget to tag @decorsteals on social media!
For more affordable home decor ideas, DIY inspiration, and daily steals, be sure to visit the Decor Steals Journal and check out today’s deals… you never know what treasure you’ll find next.