A link to a site for a Pearly Lace Insets Tube created by Joske Backer
 sent in by group member Lucille has been a brilliant find for those
 interested in creating virtual eggs or experimenting onscreen
before producing the effect on real eggshells.

In this how-to mini tutorial I will show you how to create the basic outline
 which you can then decorate however you wish.

You will find downloads for egg stands and other items on the Egg Supplies page.

You will need:
Paint Shop Pro - you can download a free 30-day trial HERE
I am using Version 9 but this tutorial could be done in earlier versions as well
apart from using scripts, which was introduced in Version 8.

My supplies zip file including the horizontal preset shape, cutting line.
Version 7 - place in your Shapes folder
V8-V9 formats -  place in the Preset Shape folder.

Pearly Lace Inset Tube
Be sure to check out the instructions on this site and
experiment with different settings to see the results.

Optional - Gary Barton's Vector Tube Script
This script, which you will need to place in your Scripts-Restricted folder,
allows you to place the pearl tube along a vector path.
Note: this will only work in V8 & V9.

Eye Candy 4000 - Glass (optional)
This is one of the free presets from the trial download.

Don't forget to save frequently and use separate layers for each element.

Step 1
Open a new transparent image 500 x 400
Click on the Preset Shape Tool with the following settings:
Retain Style, Create on Vector and Anti-Alias all checked
Locate the MW-egg-horizontal preset shape

Draw out the egg shape - adjust the shape using the nodes, if required.
Move the egg to the top of the page.

Step 2
Locate the MW-cutting-line-hori shape with the same settings as before
and draw this line across the middle of the egg
 extending slightly past the edges of the egg.
 

Things that can be changed up to this point.

Change the Colour of the Egg
In Step 1 uncheck Retain style.
Select the desired colour as the background colour.
 Foreground should be transparent.

Change Line Colour and Retain as Decoration.
In Step 2 uncheck Retain style.
Select the desired line colour as the foreground colour.
Background should be transparent.
Change Width to 5

The line and egg could also be mirrored or flipped for a different appearance.

Adding the Pearl Tube.

Add  new raster layer.
Select the Pearly Lace Inset tube
Scale = 30
Step = 7
Placement = Continuous
Selection = Incremental

If you are using the Vector Tube Script make sure the cutting line layer is selected.
Select the Vector Script Toolbar and locate the Vector Tube Script.
Run the Selected Script.

If you are using Version 7 or choose to apply the lace tube
 manually draw the tube out using the line as a guide
extending the line past either end of the egg shape.

To clean up the extra overlap click on the egg shape layer to make it active.
Use the Magic Wand to select outside the egg shape.

Activate the Pearls layer and hit delete to remove the overhanging pearls.

To Add a Reverse Line of Pearls

Add a new layer.
Keep the pearls tube selected in the Picture Tube Tool.
Click on the cutting line layer to make it active.
Click on the Pen Tool - this will show the nodes on the line.
Right click and select Edit > Reverse Path.
Either run the Vector Tube script again or
to apply manually start at the right hand side and follow the line to the left.

Repeat the cleanup process to remove any overhanging pearls.
If necessary use the Mover Tool to align the tips to create an open eyelet effect.

Things that can be changed up to this point.

The pearls can be colourised to change the colour.

The cutting line can be made to look like it is a laced ribbon.
Use the Mover Tool to part the two rows of pearls apart, exposing the ribbon .

If the cutting layer is still on a vector layer it is simple to change the colour
by right clicking on the Layer Palette and selecting the Properties.
Change the Stroke colour.

The eraser tool can be used to remove the alternating bars to
 make the ribbon appear as though it's woven.

At this stage you could now just decorate the top of the egg with
flowers, a bow, butterfly etc. Use your imagination!

A variety of stands can downloaded from the Egg Supplies page.

Creating a Glass Top

Step 1

Draw out the egg shape as before.
Add a new raster layer named glass.
Use the Selection Tool set to Ellipse, Feather = 0, Anti-alias checked.

Draw out an oval on the top of the egg and flood fill with white.
Deselect and turn off the layer.

Step 2
Activate the egg layer in the Layer Palette.
Use the Magic Wand and select outside the egg.
This will put the "marching ants" around the the egg and the edge of the frame.

Turn the the glass layer and activate the layer.
Hit delete to remove the excess outside the egg shape.

Deselect.

Step 3
Note: If the egg layer is still a Vector layer it will be necessary to right click
and select Convert to Raster.

Use the Magic Wand to select the glass section on the glass layer.
Click on the egg layer and hit Delete. Do not deselect.
Click back on the glass layer to make it active.
Effects > 3D Effects > Cutout
use the following settings:

Vertical Offset = 10
Horizontal Offset = 6
Opacity = 20
Blur = 60
Shadow colour = Black or Dark Grey.
Note - the glass colour can be changed by changing the shadow colour.

Optional Step
Glass Reflection

Keep the glass area selected.
Use Eye Candy 4000 - Glass
Use the Default setting.

Using PSP
Choose the Air Brush with background colour white.
Size = 6
Scribe a small arc on the glass as shown.

Adjust > Blur > Gaussian Blur
Radius  = 3

Adding a Gold Rim

Choose a gold metallic gradient as the foreground colour, with angle set to 45.
Background colour should be transparent.
Click on the Preset Shape Tool with the following settings:
Retain Style - unchecked
Create on Vector and Anti-Alias are checked.
Width = 5
Choose the Ellipse preset.
Draw out an oval band that sits along the edge of the glass.

Adjust the placement if necessary using the vector nodes.
When you are happy with the placement use the Eraser tool
on the rim layer to remove the excess rim.
If desired you could add an inner bevel to the gold rim on the glass.

There are many variations that can be created using these basic principles.
I hope you have fun experimenting with the pearls and the trinket box ideas.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any queries or find any instructions that need clarification in the tutorial don't hesitate to contact me.

Please help me keep this site up and running....
ANYTHING is appreciated, thank you so much!