You don’t need a $40 Easter egg decorating kit with pages of
instructions to impress your family and guests this Easter –
achieve sophisticated elegance with colors taken directly from
nature. Simply decorated from a myriad of plants and flowers,
you can create a beautiful range of natural colors and textures.
Try this technique – it’s simple enough to do with young
children. Ingredients Gather together eggs, an enamel or
stainless steel pot, vinegar, cheesecloth, a rubber band, and
plant materials such as onionskins, blueberries, pecan hulls,
parsley, beets or dandelions.
Directions 1. To prepare the dye bath, fill a pot with two or
three cups of plant material. Barely cover it with water (more
plant material produces stronger colors.) Simmer for at least 30
minutes. Add water and stir as needed. The dyes can be made
several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Strain
and heat the dye before using it.
2. Use hard-boiled or blown out eggs. Carefully wash the eggs
with soap and water. Allow them to dry. Wipe the eggs with
vinegar.
3. To decorate the eggs, moisten small leaves and grasses, one
at a time. Press them firmly against the egg. Hold them in place
by wrapping the eggs in a six-inch square of cheesecloth or
nylon pantyhose. Pull the cloth tight against the egg and secure
it with a rubber band. Immerse the egg in a container of warm
dye. Some dyes are stronger than others. The process may take
only a few moments or several hours. Dyes derived from yellow
onionskin, red onionskin, and blueberries all provide quick
results.
4. Unwrap the eggs, drain, and let them dry upright.
What a magical and unpredictable process. Each lustrous egg is a
unique surprise. Some of our favorites were the results of happy
accidents. Enjoy discovering!
Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors
of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions.
To check out their website that's jam packed with family ideas,
visit To subscribe to their
online newsletter, go to http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp
Eggs-Travagant Easter Eggs Without All the Hassle
