Decorated Egg Carton Crafts – A Handmade Spring
Egg Carton Crafts might just be the cutest and most unexpected way I have found to display the decorative eggs I have collected and created over the years.
If you have followed me for a while, you probably know that I love decorating eggs every spring. Over time, I have made quite a collection, and I struggle with how to display them in a way that feels organized and pretty. I discovered some adorable small egg cartons and realized I could transform them into charming little egg holders that are just as decorative as the eggs themselves.
Decorated Egg Carton Crafts
One of my favorite things about decorating for spring and Easter is bringing out all of the eggs I have created over the years.
Some are painted, some are decorated with foil, and others are covered with beautiful patterns and designs. I love making them, but every year I run into the same problem.
How do I display them all in a way that is both pretty and practical?
That question is exactly what inspired this craft.
I recently came across some adorable egg cartons online that were smaller than the typical dozen cartons. Some were heart-shaped, some were made to hold just a few eggs, and all of them were incredibly charming.
The moment I saw them, I realized they could be the perfect way to store and display decorative eggs. Instead of leaving the cartons plain, I decided to decorate them with paper napkins and Mod Podge to create beautiful little egg holders.
And just like that, another project for my Handmade Spring series was born.
The Inspiration Behind This Craft
Over the years, I have made dozens and dozens of decorative eggs. Some are simple pastel eggs, others are metallic leaf eggs, and a few are detailed with delicate patterns. I love using them in bowls, trays, and spring centerpieces throughout the house.
But storing them between seasons has always been a challenge. Traditional egg cartons provide good protection, but they are not particularly attractive. I wanted something that could both store the eggs and display them beautifully.
When I discovered these smaller cartons on Amazon, it felt like the perfect solution. Because they are compact and decorative, they look lovely sitting out on a kitchen counter, dining table, or shelf in spring.
Of course, once I had them in hand, I immediately started thinking about how I could personalize them.
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Why I Love Using Paper Napkins for Crafts
If you have followed me for a while, you probably know that I have quite a collection of decorative paper napkins. I love them for entertaining, but I also use them constantly in crafts.
Paper napkins are perfect for decoupage because the printed layer is incredibly thin. Once applied with Mod Podge, the design almost looks painted onto the surface.
Another thing I love is the endless variety. Floral patterns, vintage botanicals, toile prints, watercolor flowers, and delicate patterns all work beautifully for spring projects.
For this project, I used several different napkin designs so that each carton would feel unique.
Preparing the Egg Cartons
The first step in this project was preparing the egg cartons.
Some of the cartons I purchased were a natural cardboard color. Because the napkins I planned to use were light and delicate, I knew the brown color would show through the paper.
To prevent that, I painted several cartons with white craft paint.
After painting, I let the cartons dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Preparing the Napkins
Decorative napkins are typically made with multiple layers of paper. For decoupage, you only want to use the top printed layer.
To prepare the napkins:
- Carefully separate the printed layer from the backing layers.
- Tear or cut pieces of the design that you want to use.
- Plan roughly where you want the pattern to appear on the carton.
Because I was covering both the inside and outside of the cartons, I cut different-sized pieces for different areas.
Applying the Napkins with Mod Podge
This part is always my favorite.
I began by brushing a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the surface of the carton. Then I gently laid the napkin piece onto the wet surface.
Using a soft brush, I carefully smoothed the napkin outward from the center. Because napkins are very delicate, it is important to move slowly and avoid tearing.
Some napkin pieces were placed on top of the cartons, while others were applied to the egg compartments inside the cartons. I love how this created a layered, decorative look when the cartons are opened.
Once the napkin was in place, I brushed another light coat of Mod Podge over the top to seal it.
Creating Different Styles
One of the most fun parts of this project was experimenting with different styles.
Each carton ended up looking completely different depending on how the napkins were applied.
Some cartons feature:
• Full floral patterns covering the top
• Botanical prints inside the egg compartments
• Vintage style toile patterns
• Soft watercolor florals
Because the napkins were arranged differently on each carton, the finished pieces feel more like handmade art than simple storage containers.
And honestly, I love that no two look exactly the same.
Why These Cartons Are Perfect for Easter Decor
Once the cartons were finished and dry, I placed my decorated eggs inside.
The result made me smile immediately.
Instead of hiding the eggs away in storage, the cartons themselves became part of the decor. They look beautiful sitting on a table, open on a shelf, or grouped together in a basket.
They also make it easy to organize eggs by style or color.
For example, you could use one carton for:
• metallic eggs
• pastel eggs
• hand-painted eggs
• patterned eggs
The cartons keep everything organized while still feeling decorative.
Display Ideas
There are so many ways to display these decorated cartons around the house during spring.
Some of my favorite ideas include:
Kitchen Counter Display
Place a carton or two near a bowl of decorated eggs.
Spring Tablescape
Set one carton at each place setting with a decorative egg inside.
Shelf Decor
Stack or display open cartons on open shelving.
Centerpiece Accent
Use a carton as part of a layered spring centerpiece.
Because the cartons are small, they are easy to move around and incorporate into many different displays.
Why I Love Crafts That Solve a Problem
One of the reasons I enjoyed this project so much is that it started with a real need.
I already had the eggs.
I just needed a better way to display them.
Crafting something that is both beautiful and functional is incredibly satisfying. Instead of buying decorative storage, I created something unique using supplies I already had.
And of course, it gave me another excuse to use my growing napkin collection.
A Perfect Project for the Handmade Spring Series
This project fits perfectly into my Handmade Spring series, which celebrates the season with creative projects.
Spring always inspires me to make things. Flowers are blooming, colors are softer, and everything feels fresh and new again.
Projects like this one remind me that crafting does not have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes the best ideas come from simple materials and a little creativity.
Final Thoughts
Decorated Egg Carton Crafts may have started as a practical way to store my Easter eggs, but they quickly became one of my favorite spring projects.
These little cartons are charming, functional, and incredibly easy to make. I love that they allow me to display the eggs I have created over the years in a way that feels thoughtful and intentional.
And honestly, I think they might be just as cute as the eggs themselves.
Which reminds me … I decided halfway through this craft to make one more set of Easter eggs.
I grabbed one of the napkins, some white wooden eggs, and Mod Podge, and made them in 30 minutes.
If you have a stash of decorative napkins at home, this is the perfect craft to try. You might just end up with the prettiest egg storage you have ever seen.
And if you are anything like me, you may also find yourself looking for more things around the house that could use a little Mod Podge and creativity.
After all, that is what A Handmade Spring is all about. 🌸🥚
How to Follow Along With A Handmade Spring
Each week, a new spring craft will be shared here on the blog. I will also be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, progress videos, and finished projects on Instagram so you can see each craft come to life.
You can jump in at any point. There is no need to start at the beginning or complete every project. Choose the ones that speak to you and make them your own.
If you love seasonal crafting, this series is designed to inspire you throughout spring.
Here are all of the A Handmade Spring craft projects so far. I can’t wait to share all twelve.
Here are all of the A Handmade Spring craft projects so far. I can’t wait to share all twelve.
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