Fun with Kids: Dye Easter Eggs with Natural Coloring

Easter eggs, in all shades and colors, are meant to bring joy to those who receive them.  Blue ones, red ones, green and yellow; no matter the color, the art of making them that way can be a fun family activity.

A new twist to the age-old egg dyeing activity is to use the natural beauty of fruits, vegetables and spices, instead of using the boxes of chemical colorings.

Here is the preferred method for using natural dyes from chemistry.about.com: 

1. Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan. Add water until the eggs are covered.
2. Add approximately one teaspoon of vinegar.
3. Add the natural dye. Use more dye material for more eggs or for a more intense color.
4. Bring water to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. If you are pleased with the color, remove the eggs from the liquid.
7. If you want more intensely colored eggs, temporarily remove the eggs from the liquid. Strain the dye through a coffee filter (unless you want speckled eggs). Cover the eggs with the filtered dye and let them remain in the refrigerator overnight.
8. Naturally-colored eggs will not be glossy, but if you want a shiny appearance you can rub a bit of cooking oil onto the eggs once they are dry.

Dye Ideas:

Pink – beets, raspberries

Yellow – turmeric, green tea, cumin

Orange – carrots

Blue – crushed blueberries, cabbage leaves (boiled)

Green – spinach (boiled)

Red – red onion skins (boiled), pomegranate juice

Purple – purple grape juice

Brown – coffee grounds

These are just a few ideas – nothing is off limits.  Try everything!

>> Have you tried this?  What has worked for you?  Let everyone know by hitting Reply above and leaving your comment.