Eco-Egg Dyeing

So, I'm in Madison, WI again visiting family and I saw this neat article in the Wisconsin State Journal newpaper about "Eco-Egg Dyeing" and a local artist that uses natural materials to dye eggs. Read the full article here for full instructions and inspiration, but here's the basics:

Basic technique:

1. Add natural material to a pot with water


2. Boil until liquid reaches desired color intensity


3. Add 1-3 tsp vinegar or cream or tartar to help color set


4. Add cooled hard-cooked or blown eggs and leave until dyed as desired!

Natural Materials for Dyes:

• Yellow or orange - golden beets, ground cumin, tumeric, paprika, yellow onion skins, or annatto


• Tan or brown - cinnamon sticks, walnut shells, coffee or coffee grounds, tea, or chili powder


• Red - cherry juice or concentrate, red wine (which produces sparkling eggs), beets or beet powder


• Purple or blue - grape juice or concentrates, red onion skins, red cabbage leaves, blueberries, violets


• Green - leaves such spinach or garlic mustard

Variations:

• Add handful of sugar after step 2 and let cook down before using, or dip dyes egg into sugar water. Sparkle will show up after egg dries.


• For two-toned eggs, dye with a solid color, then when dry, put enough of a different color in a dish and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Run a fork through it for a streaky look, then roll the dyed egg in it.


• Grate beets or smash leaves, place on a square of parchment, add egg, wrap and leave it for a bit.

There are more details, as well as the story behind an interesting artist, in the full article.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IF YOU TRY THIS!! Share with us how it turned out...