"I've always had a thing for eggs. They are so beautiful, so fragile and yet so full of possibility - finding a bird's egg on the ground when I was young was the very height of success on a day filled with rummaging in the undergrowth to see what I could find."

This work is a reflection of that sense of wonder and curiosity I experienced then, and still do experience when something amazing in nature captures my interest. It would make a lovely gift to celebrate a new marriage or baby. The symbolism of the egg is present in a variety of faiths and cultures, and thus makes for a wide variety of interpretations - what does it mean to you?

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This piece has been made using painted, speckled and varnished cast plaster egg halves in a range of blues and greys. Each half-egg is mounted on a little stalk, which creates a subtle shadow to add depth to the work. The eggs are assembled on a plywood backing piece which has been painted an deep blue-black that allows the lovely texture of the plywood to show through.

The eggs are each individually hand painted and speckled, which means that no two eggs will ever be the same. Cast in plaster in moulds made from a variety of real bird's eggs, they range in size from about 2 to 3.5cm (0.75 to 1.4in) long.

This work has been framed using recycled fence palings, so nail holes and other marks are evident but not distracting. The glass is also recycled, and so may have very small blemishes due to previous use. Again, you probably won't notice. The frames have been assembled using eight screws and no glue, so that if in the future the interior of the piece requires cleaning (old timbers, by their very nature, can shed a little dust over time) it may be carefully dis- and re-assembled.

It measures 23 x 23cm (9 x 9in) and has a depth of 4.3cm (1.7in). It has a sturdy picture hanging wire on the back. It is recommended that you use a hook attached firmly into the wall - not a self-adhesive type!

Please visit my shop to see similar works in other sizes and colours. The last photograph shows other artworks which may or may not be currently available.

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SHIPPING: PLEASE NOTE!

This piece will be sent with signature-on-delivery and insurance to cover loss or damage in transit.

If you live in Brisbane, Australia, local pickup may be available.

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If you'd like to get previews of new products and take a peek at what I'm currently working on, head to Instagram and follow @emilyengel. Thanks so much for your interest!