Rachel Miner works with a variety of eggshells to create a variety of artworks –from carved pieces to pieces with doors and music boxes, Miner has perfected her art over the past 10 years. She is shown here displaying an emu egg carving she had just begun.
(Photo provided)

Over 10 years ago, Rachel Miner first viewed her mother’s-in-law hand-decorated egg collection and her interest in the art was instantaneous. Miner immediately knew she wanted to work with the eggs and began classes under the tutelage of egg decorating veteran Emma Fretz, a woman she now reveres and respects deeply.

“I was scared I would break them,” said Miner with a laugh. “Emma had two types of eggs and if you wanted to continue, you could. I continued on with her.”

Miner, who resides in Silver Lake, has crafted a total of 184 eggs from various animals such as emus, ostriches, geese, lizards, chickens and more.

Miner’s skills, which have grown tremendously over the past years, have won her awards at both Kosciusko County 4-H Fair and Elkhart County Fair, most notably 2012 Best of Show award for “handicrafts” at the Elkhart County Fair and Grand Champion of the Home and Family Arts Division during the same year. Miner shared her triumphs with the craft joyously with her mentor and continued on in Fretz’s classes until this past fall.

“Her health deteriorated and she had to leave, but we still hosted classes at her apartment and then went to see her at Grace Village,” stated Miner of Fretz. “In November, her children decided to move her to Pennsylvania where they live. I’m trying to continue with students she had by turning my mother’s-in-law empty shop into a place where they can work and continue classes.”

This egg is made from an ostrich egg. The ballerina within spins to the song of “Dance Ballerina” and the egg can be fully opened on each side.
(Photo provided)

Though Miner, who is only 36 years old, admits she is among the younger participants of her craft however, she hopes to change that fact by creating her own classes and business called “Heavenly CreEGGtions.”

“This is a dying art,” admitted Miner. “We need more public to come and get into this. I’m a young person compared to others doing this. I know many might worry to begin working with eggs because it might break, but it is just an egg! Kids can do this. Kids would be a great way to keep things going and it is great for crafty kids and individuals. I know anyone can do this if I am able to.”

Though Miner has not yet begun hosting classes in her new shop as renovations are still being completed, she noted she hopes to host classes for those of all skill levels, including many of Fretz’s old students who journeyed from Warsaw, LaPorte and even Chicago to attend classes and ask questions of fellow students.

Miner said the eggs are a great gift for others, noting she has given away a total of 50 eggs to family and friends as gifts for weddings, wedding anniversaries, baby showers, birthdays and as Christmas ornaments. She customizes each egg with an incredible amount of detail, carving intricate lattice work into many, attaching doors and drawers, figurines, photographs, gems and even music boxes to create a one-of-a-kind gift that will be cherished for a lifetime.

This egg, which was made by Miner for Fretz’s grandchild, features a photo of the child within the stroller.
(Photo provided)

“I know only I can make it like that and that nobody else will make it exactly the same. I try and use colors from people’s weddings, their photos and even music boxes to create something personal,” she explained.

According to Miner, the time spent creating an egg varies depending on how elaborate the egg is. The longest she has spent on one egg was 80 hours total, with many of the smaller projects taking her roughly 20 hours to complete.

Though Miner has experienced success and praise for her works, she has not let her success cloud her sense of humility or respect for her mentor.

“I wouldn’t be where I am at today if it wasn’t for my teacher, Emma Fretz. She has been an inspiration to me on not only how to transform the ordinary egg into something beautiful, but also how to be a true Christ follower.”

For those seeking further information on crafting eggs as well as egg show dates and times, Miner suggests visiting http://www.eggartguild.org/. For questions on how you can begin classes with Miner, visit Heavenly CreEGGtions Facebook page here. Miner’s eggs are currently being displayed at the Warsaw Community Public Library for public viewing.