How To: Make crepe paper designs

Martha Stewart and kids editorial director Jodi Levine shares ideas for decorating Easter eggs with crepe paper. Crepe paper is one of my favorite materials. It's actually tissue paper that has been reinforced with sizing and "creped," a crinkling method that yields a medium that is incredibly pliable yet sturdy enough to iron and sew. Beautiful and durable, it lends itself to countless applications. In fact, I walked down the aisle with a bouquet of crepe paper blooms! I recently realized how nicely a strip of crepe paper conforms to an egg's shape. Glue bands of it to a bunch of eggs, affix tiny crepe blooms, and pile them in a bowl for a simple, elegant display. You also can use the paper to create lifelike flowers with egg centers. Or add crepe ears to an egg and watch it turn into a bunny. Even leftover egg cartons can become winsome baskets trimmed with pleated crepe skirts. Start with plain or dyed blown-out eggs, and then choose from the sweet embellishments provided here. Soon you and your young friends will be turning out colorful crafts by the dozen.