Natural Easter Eggs

Published April 05, 2017

Easter just wouldn’t be the same without Easter eggs.

This year why not dye your eggs naturally? There are many ways to do this and the results are beautiful. Here is an easy way to dye your eggs using everyday items from your kitchen and garden.

Boiling onion skins will produce a deep brown dye that is stunning when used on Easter eggs. Begin by hard-boiling your eggs and letting them cool.

Once the eggs have cooled down it’s a good idea to wash them with a little warm, soapy water to remove any oily residue that may impede the dye adhering to the egg.

At this point you will require an old pair of natural-coloured nylon stockings. Cut the stockings into small tubes and set aside.

Select a few flowers, herbs or leaves of your choice and wash them of any dirt or debris. Let them dry. Apply the flowers and herbs inverted onto the egg and carefully insert the egg into the small piece of nylon. Tie off the end.

Fill a saucepan to the top with regular onion skins. Add tap water to the point where the skins are barely covered.

Place the saucepan on the stove and bring to a boil. Once the water has boiled remove from the heat and let the water cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully insert the eggs into the saucepan making sure to bury them within the skins.

Place the saucepan into the refrigerator for four to 12 hours. Check on the eggs periodically to see how the dye is darkening and use your discretion as to how dark you would like the eggs to be.

Once you are satisfied with the colour of the egg remove them from the skins with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Carefully remove the nylon covering and the flowers by slowly peeling them off the egg. Pat the egg dry with a paper towel and let them completely dry. Rubber bands may also be used to make interesting patterns on a dyed egg.

Choose a nice selection of different sized rubber bands and wrap each egg individually with the bands. Be sure to leave enough of the eggshell exposed in order to achieve a dyed pattern.

To give your egg a nice glossy glow, rub them with a little vegetable oil. This method may also be done using purple cabbage. Simply add large pieces of purple cabbage to a saucepan filled with water and bring to a boil. Follow the same directions as using onion skins for similar results.

Barb Lunter is a freelance writer with a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. She also runs Blu Dog Staging & Redesign. bludogstagingandredesign.com