With Easter just around the corner, it is
time to dye eggs! It is a great
tradition for ushering in the bright colors and warmer weather of spring.
There are lots of ways to end up with dyed eggs (just start
with eggs already hard boiled). There
are easy to use kits you can purchase online or from a local store. In addition to traditional solid colors, you
can buy kits that will do special effects like marble or turn your eggs into
cute animals with additional feet and ears.
You can also dye eggs using things around your house! ¼ cup white vinegar mixed with two cups of
water is good general base. Then experiment
with things you have around the house – just make sure everything is safe to
eat. Food coloring is an obvious choice –
add drops to your base until you are happy with the color. Chopped fruits (about 1 cup) like blueberries
and strawberries can create some vivid colors.
Grated vegetables (about 1 cup) can give you bold greens and bright
orange! You can also raid the spice
cabinet for unique colors (simmer the spice in water for about 15 minutes –
then let cool and strain before adding vinegar). Remember, the longer the egg sits in the dye,
the more intense the color.
For very unique eggs, break out the non-toxic paints and
markers and decorate each egg by hand.
This is a fun activity for older kids especially.
To dye without vinegar, use powdered drink packets (like
lemonade or kool aid). For each packet
of powder you will need about 2/3 cup of water.
Different brands offer many different flavors that will translate to
different colors.
For a tie-dye or marble look, use liquid water colors and
shaving cream. It can get pretty messy,
so be prepared! Fill a large container
with shaving cream. Put a few drops of
your liquid water colors in different areas.
Then using a utensil or gloved hand to swirl the colors. Then drop your eggs into the swirled mixture
until covered.
Whichever method you choose you are going to have a fun and
colorful egg hunt!
