Easter isn't simply about hunting for treats and biting the ears off chocolate bunnies. It's also about having fun at other people's expense - if you are into confetti eggs, also known as Cascarones. You can buy ready-made eggs at the grocery store, but how fun is that? Part of the payoff is knowing that you made them. Visit a party store to choose from all kinds of confetti. I used small sequins in my eggs for a shiny effect. Confetti eggs also are great party favors all year. Paint them to match a baby shower or birthday party and fill them with small candies, a favorite quote or a small toy. But remember: When cracking them over someone's head, tap the egg and squeeze it with your hand to make sure it opens.

Confetti Eggs
Supplies
1 dozen eggs with container
Water-based acrylics, brush, cup of water
Paint pen to draw designs
Steak knife
Confetti or sequins
Paper towels
Colored tissue paper
White craft glue

Directions: Working with one egg at a time, poke a hole at the bottom with the steak knife, just big enough to drain the egg. Let contents drip out. Rinse the inside of the egg and rest it, hole side down, on the paper towel. When the eggs are dry inside, decorate the shell with watered-down acrylics. Pour a teaspoon of confetti inside the egg. Glue a piece of tissue paper (matching the color of the egg) to seal the hole. Set the egg hole side up to dry. Paint and embellish the egg carton to match.

Tip: Only use a light coat of paint. Too much and the egg will be hard to crack.

* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Cinco DeMayo, Easter, food crafts, Latin-inspired