Last Easter, a month into blogging I talked about some natural ingredients which can be used to dye Easter eggs. Dyeing eggs is a tradition I have been enjoying ever since I can remember myself but apart from pressing herb leaves to the shells I haven't really included nature much in the process.
I knew about using onion skins for yellow (pssst, Adrienne is doing a DIY on that, so you will have your hands on t pretty soon, but don't tell), but I haven't even tried them. That is why, when I stumbled upon the next DIY I knew I was going to share it with you.
Megan of Radmegan has gone into so much effort to experiment and actually dye a bunch of eggs way before Easter to show us the amazing results nature can provide. I was stunned by the deep colors she achieved with the help of cabbage, red and white wine, dill seeds, or even instant coffee!
You have to try them all, really! Just bear in mind that you will need a few more hours than usual to get the colors deep enough. Anywhere between 10 and 20 in fact, but I bet it is worth it! Click here for the recipes for all colors.
I have started collecting onion skins already, now I need to start keeping the carrot tops and not plant the dill. Easter, here I come!
How are you preparing for Easter?
[All photos are courtesy of Radmegan]
The coloring is so rich and vibrant going the natural route to dye eggs. I'll have to check out the recipes. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, I too was impressed by the deep colors!
Deletewow, so many possibilities! we usually color them with onions and put them in socks with flowers to get a pretty pattern. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to see your Easter eggs this year!
DeleteI didn't even think about photographing them, thanks for motivating me! :)
DeleteThese colors are amazing! I haven't colored eggs since my kids were little. I will definitely have to try these. I'm sure my big kids will want to help!
ReplyDeleteReally? You haven't colored eggs for so long? I love it and no Easter will be full without that for me!
DeleteThese colors are WAY more amazing than regular easter egg dies - great idea! I also love the textured look!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great Sunday - Brandi
Thanks for stopping by, Brandi.
DeleteWow, that is so cool! Those eggs don't even look like eggs - they look like they're made of polished stone. :) Such beautiful results, and all natural, too! How awesome!
ReplyDeleteYes, they are true masterpieces! Do you dye eggs for Easter?
DeleteWe used to, but we haven't for a few years now. You should post photos of your own eggs once you've dyed them! :D
DeleteDING!!! [idea sound effect]. I can surely use the same ingredients to colour my paper in the bindery. Hmmmm.... You Sally have me thinking now. ;D
ReplyDelete~Sonya~
Oh, and here's my tutorial on tea staining paper, if you'd like to see :D
ReplyDeleteIt's a non-acidifying technique, so the paper doesn't degrade over time.
I'll try out some of these colours and let you know how it goes. Thanks. :D
~Sonya~
Yes, I'd love to see your tutorial but you forgot the link!
DeleteThank you so much for featuring my natural egg dye project Sonya!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to see you dye paper in this same way! I was just telling my sister that I wanted to dye yarn and fabric using the same ingredients I used for the eggs :)
Thanks again!
xoxo
radmegan
http://radmegan.blogspot.com
Aaaargh! sorry about that...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sagoontuesdays.com.au/2012/02/tea-stain-tutorial.html
I'm dyeing (not dying... I have no immediate plans to do that!) next week, so I'll blog the results.
Oh, and if you are interested in email subscribing, I have pdf tutorial gifts from time to time, just for my 'spethal email regulars' :D
~Sonya~
Ooohhh! I want to try these!
ReplyDeleteIt is always great to find new ideas for natural dyes.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Those are the most beautiful Easter eggs I've ever seen, truly! They're so natural looking, and in such a gorgeous array of colors. I may have to try this one... :)
ReplyDeleteThese are so cool! All the gorgeous colors you could create!
ReplyDeleteOh my GOSH those are amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome ideas!
ReplyDeleteThese colors are stunning!
ReplyDeleteDo you think there is a way to color eggs if the are blown out, or empty in the insides? You would think vinegar would break the shell, and boiling them isn't an option..
ReplyDeleteI think that you can try immersing them in any of the color mixtures mentioned in the post after removing the mixture from the hot plate.
DeleteDo you think the color mixture would dye the eggs if it was cooled off, or does the egg need to be boiled with with ingredients?
ReplyDeleteI am just guessing because I've never tried dyeing blown-out eggs but I believe it will work if the mixture is warm and the egg shell is kept at room temperature. I suspect it will take a long time but it's worth the try!
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