Instructions for Natural Egg Dyeing at Home

Natural Egg Dyeing

This is for an instructions for natural egg dyeing at home. Dyeing eggs different colours has long been part of the Easter traditions in North America. Natural dyes can be made from fruits and vegetables. Boiling blueberries or spinach in water turns the water the colour of the food. Adding a fixative like vinegar to the water helps transfer the colour onto the egg.

Ingredients and Tools Needed

• Natural dye materials(blueberries, spinach, shredded beets, strawberries, black tea, turmeric, etc)
• Filtered water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar per cup of dye liquid for each colour
• Pots for simmering ingredients and boiling eggs
• Mesh strainer
• Small bowls or mason jars
• Eggs
• Coconut or olive oil(optional-for adding luster to eggs)

Directions for Making Easter Egg Dye

• Bring dye matter and water to a boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer, covered, for 15-60 minutes until desired colour is reached. Keep in mind that the eggs will be several shades lighter so it’s best to go for deep, rich hues.
• Remove liquid from heat and let cool to room temperature.
• Pour dye through a mesh strainer into bowl or mason jars and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar for each cup of dye liquid.

Directions for Eggs

• Add eggs to a medium pot and cover with cold water Bring pot to a boil. Once it is rolling turn off the heat and cover the the pot. After 10 minutes, place eggs in a bowl of cold water and let sit until they are cool to the touch.
• Drain bowl and replace with warm, soapy water. Gently rub eggs with a washcloth or your thumb to remove oils that prohibit natural dyes from adhering as effectively to the egg shell.
• Lower egg into the dye and place them in the fridge. Soak until your desired colour is reached.
• When the eggs are ready scoop them out with a spoon and place on a drying rack or an upside down egg carton.