Bring in the spring and get set to celebrate Easter by turning a clutch of eggshells into miniature gilded planters. Jen Rich shows us how

You will need:

Eggs

Acrylic paint

PVA glue

Craft gold leaf

Paintbrushes

Violas, succulents or cut flowers

How you do it:

1. Use a knife to crack the egg from the top and peel away the shell to create the opening for your planter. If you will be filling them with cut flowers you only need to remove the very top of the egg. Tip the egg out of the shells and wash and dry the shells thoroughly. Paint the eggs in your chosen colours, it may take a few coats to cover them completely, then leave to dry.

2. Brush the eggs with a thin layer of glue, starting at the base and drawing your brush up the sides to feather the edge. Alternatively you could paint spots, stripes or patterns with the glue.

3. Press the gold leaf onto the glued areas, ensuring that all of the glue is covered. Leave for 10-15 minutes to dry.

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4. Use a stiff bristled brush to gently brush away any excess gold leaf to create a smooth layer. Do this over a plate or bowl as you can use the excess gold leaf to coat your other eggs.

5. Fill the shells with violas, succulents or fresh cut flowers. Display in egg cups or make a small ring of paper for them to sit in.

Jen Rich is a Brampton-based photographer and stylist specialising in food and craft. A passionate believer that arts and crafts can be hugely beneficial to our mental wellbeing, she founded Stitch, Craft and Cook to inspire and encourage others to get creative. Her new book, Clever Cookie Cutter, comes out this month - see the The Kitchen for a preview. See jenrich.co.uk and follow Instagram @stitchcraftandcook.