11 Ways to Dye Easter Eggs Naturally

from Baking Soda, Banana Peels, Baby Oil and Beyond

Budding young chemists and kids with curiosity will really enjoy helping to make naturally colored Easter eggs with ingredients straight from the cupboard and fridge. This family project costs nothing, but the delight in learning is priceless.

1. Gently wash eggs with soapy water and dry.

2. Place a single layer of eggs in a non-metal pot with the dye source.

3. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes, and remove pot from burner. If you like the color as it is, dab off excess dye with a paper towel and set the eggs on a rack to dry. To deepen the color, leave eggs in the pot until cool. To get even richer shades, put cool eggs in a bowl, strain the dye water, and pour it over the eggs. Store the submerged eggs in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Note: Quantities are based on 1 quart of liquid. Amounts of dyeing ingredients are approximate; more dyestuff and longer dye baths produce the deepest colors. All boiled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator, and any that have soaked in hot or warm water for several hours should not be eaten.

Natural Easter Egg Dye #1: Brewed coffee

Quantity: 1 quart strong coffee plus water to cover the eggs
Color: Brown

Natural Easter Egg Dye #2: Blueberries

Quantity: Up to 4 cups
Color: Lavender

Natural Easter Egg Dye #3: Yellow onion skins

Quantity: Up to 4 packed cups
Color: Sienna

Natural Easter Egg Dye #4: Beet juice

Quantity: Half strength or more of the vinegar water
Color: Deep pink

Natural Easter Egg Dye #5: Cranberry juice

Quantity: Full-strength
Color: Light pink

Now it would not be fair for me to take these tips from the source without a link back...and hopefully sending readers to their site. So to see the rest, go to Readers Digest website. You will find the rest of these Natural Ways to Dye Easter Eggs, jokes, interesting info and more tips.

Now get hopping,

Tiffany