How to Blow Out Eggs

Example of egg craft
Example of egg craft
"Blow out" eggs are often required for craft projects that use empty, complete eggshells. If you want to use such eggs for your craft project and avoid having to blow the egg out with your mouth, there is a way, using blowers such as straws or syringes.

Steps   

  1. Decide on whether you will use a one or two hole method for your egg. One hole is less obvious but harder to remove the egg through:

    • One hole: Make a hole at one end of the egg. Use a needle or hat pin. Tap a dent in the egg, then turn back and forth for a smooth, round hole.
    • Two-hole: make a hole in each end of the egg (one hole larger than the other).
  2. Reach through the hole with a needle and pierce the yolk. Swish gently to break up the yolk.
  3. Select an egg-blower. Note that for the one-hole method, the blowers listed below will work in the main, but there must be enough room for the egg to flow out around whatever is inserted into the hole.Choose one of these objects:

    • an ear bulb syringe
    • an injection syringe (with or without a needle attached)
    • a glue syringe
    • an "egg blower"
    • a small drinking straw, or
    • a basketball nozzle adapter for a bicycle pump. In this case, wrap the needle part with a damp paper towel to help it to seal better with the egg.
  4. Blow air or water into one hole using one of the tools listed above. Ensure that the hole is facing downwards while blowing. Allow the egg contents to flow out. Repeat until all of the egg contents are out.
  5. Clean, squirt or run cold water into the intact eggshell a few times and shake gently. Blow water out using the mouth or a tool.
  6. Dry the intact eggshells. Put all eggshells in the microwave on high for 15-30 seconds or bake them in 300ºF oven for 10 minutes. This may also help to make them stronger. Alternatively, if you not have access to an oven, you can let them drain (hole facing downwards) for 2-3 days.


Tips   

  • You can also use a pointed waterdrop-shaped drill bit to grind a hole, or anything else that works for you.
  • It's helpful to blow out eggs this way, not only because it's less messy and no contact with lips is necessary, but it's also easier on the neck (especially if you are doing many eggs at one time). You don't have to lean over and keep your neck crooked while blowing.
  • Use room temperature eggs if you can. The insides will be less stiff and flow more easily.
  • If you want to make the egg a bit more decorative, you can take a small needle and poke designs in the empty egg. They won't be visible if you leave the egg as it is, but if you then dye it, the designs will stand out.


Warnings   

  • Be cautious when working with raw eggs as they may carry salmonella. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after handling the eggs.


Things You'll Need   

  • Needle, hat pin or a pointed bottle opener
  • Ear bulb syringe, injection or glue syringe (with or without a needle attached), an "egg blower," a small drinking straw, or a basketball nozzle adapter for a bicycle pump (wrap the needle part with a damp paper towel to make it seal with the egg better)