I’ve been carving eggs since around 1990. I first became fascinated with carved eggs when I discovered some in a local shop. I’m mostly self-taught. I have taken some lessons on how to do scrimshaw, which is carving fine designs into bone and other hard natural materials, but I’ve learned how to carve the eggs by trial and many errors.
I use a fine frill similar to a dentist’s drill. I use real eggs of all sizes, including quail, chicken, duck, swan, goose, emu and ostrich. Someof the eggs I find locally and some I order online. I clean out the eggs by blowing out the yolk through a hole in the bottom.
Each egg takes hours of carving time. I’m getting better at not breaking the eggs, yet still every fourth egg or so will break during the carving process. I’ve had great success in mailing custom orders, with no eggs so far being damaged in transit. Don’t be afraid to order an egg to be shipping; I guarantee replacement if any damage incurs during delivery.
There are two main ways you can display the eggs; on a pedestal foot, or hanging from a wire frame. I also have glass domes in which you can place the eggs. I mostly use brass of gold tone finishings, but have other metals as well as acrylic options for more contemporary looks.
Do I accept custom orders?
YOU BETCHA.
Custom designed eggs are one of the most unique gifts you can find. I can do monograms, images from drawings of photos, or logos such as professional sports or company names. Just email, mail or drop off your design and we’ll talk about what you’d like to have.
I can do designs on all the types of eggs The emu eggs work especially nice because they have three or so layers of color depending on how deep I carve, from off-white to light bluish green to really dark green.
I’ve done custom designs for weddings, anniversaries, retirement, birthdays, you name it. Please keep in mind that your design can include a small message or a significant date engraved, in addition to the main message.
I love to talk to people about how I carve eggs, and I love to show people how I do it. Chances are if you stop by the studio, I’ll be in the middle of carving something. If you know you’re coming, give me a call and I’ll be sure to have a project going so you can see how it’s done.
About me
I grew up in Shipshewana. My family was Amish until I was 5 years old. I’ve lived in Middlebury, just six miles west of Shipshewana, all of my adult life. My wife, Julie, and I raised our two daughters in Middlebury. Our daughters and their families live within walking distance of our house, so we’re blessed to have grandkids in and out of the house a lot. Julie and I are actively involved in the Middlebury Church of the Brethren. If you’re visiting the area on a weekend and are looking for a place to worship on Sunday, we’d love to host you!
Here’s my family on vacation at Sunset Beach, NC, in 2009.