Making Beautiful Easter Eggs

Whether you choose to use a kit or make your own coloring system, there are steps you can take to make sure you have some bold and beautiful Easter eggs this year to make your baskets and your egg hunts shine.

You can start off with an egg dye kit and enhance that. The nice thing about a kit is that it comes with all the extras you need — cups, egg holders, crayons, stickers — that can boost your creativity. All the items you need can also be purchased separately and regular food coloring will work just as well.

1. White Vinegar – yes, you need eggs and coloring to even make this work, but I’m listing vinegar first. White vinegar helps the color adhere to the eggs better than plain water will. If you want to avoid a dull egg, then this is essential.
2. Eggs – since this is what you’re coloring, you’re going to need a pack. Although hard boiling the eggs is the most common method, it is actually optional. The only thing you need to make sure is that the eggs are clean. If you’re looking to be unique, you can use brown eggs or eggs from different birds, such as ducks or quails.
3. Dye – there are several kits out there that can be purchased. Paas has been manufacturing egg kits since 1893 and is one of the most popular but there are also several other kits that can be used, including all-natural ones. You also have the option of buying egg dye separately, which gives you more control over the color. There is also the option of creating natural dyes using common foods, such as cabbage or coffee.
4. Cups – make sure you have enough for all the colors you want.
5. Spoons or holders – for easy handling of eggs
6. A drying area – kits can usually be used for some eggs or you can use the carton your eggs came in.
7. Decorating extras – Crayons can be used for messages or designs. Rubberbands can be used for creating stripes or designs on the eggs. Glitter can add some extra pop. Plants, flowers and tape can be used to create a unique design. Stickers can add some personalization. You also add paint or substitute that for dye altogether. If you have some unique decorating ideas.

For egg coloring instructions, we’re going to go with the Martha Stewart suggestions, and her site also offers several color charts to achieve the colors you want.

For each color cup, you’ll want to use 1 tablespoon of vinegar, a cup of hot water, and about 20 drops of coloring. You can increase or lessen the number of drops depending on what level of color you desire. The amount of time you leave the egg sitting will also have an effect on the intensity.

Eggs can be partially submerged in different colors to create a nice pattern on the egg. Glitter can be added before drying or after. Crayons can be used before submerging eggs or after drying. Rubber bands and plants can be used before submerging. Paint and stickers should be used after drying.

Once you’ve removed the eggs from their dye bath, there are a variety of ways to dry them. Some may influence the egg dye. The egg carton can be used right-side up or upside down. Shot glasses are effective for holding eggs. If you have a cooling rack, you can place that over a baking sheet to dry eggs. Another method is to get a piece of Styrofoam and fill it with toothpicks to set the eggs on.

Good luck with your coloring. I hope I’ve given you some ideas to create some amazing eggs!