Naturally Dyed Eggs

We love a clutch of pretty eggs and so decided we’d try our hand at colouring some using the natural dyes in our Potion Making and Natural Fabric Art Kits.

The result was a collection of subtle pastel shades just perfect for easter. It’s a simple process but wonderfully satisfying and a great way to show children the effects of natural plant dye use for centuries.

You’ll need white eggs, which show up the colour far better than brown ones. You’ll also need some natural powder dyes - we used turmeric and beetroot.

Step one: Hard boil 6 white eggs and allow to fully cool.

Step two: To make the dyes, carefully pour ½ litre of boiling water over 1 tablespoon each of your powders in medium sized containers. We suggest using old plastic containers as the dyes can stain.

Step three: Allow the dye to steep (and cool) for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to extract the most colour.

Step four: Stir in 2 tablespoons of either white vinegar or salt to each of your dyes. This helps the dye stick to the egg.

Step five: Gently place your eggs into your dyes and put them in the fridge.

Step six: Leave them for a minimum of 4 hours but no longer than 24. The longer you leave them, the more vivid the colour will become.

Extension idea - Try foraging for flowers and leaves in the garden. Place them gently on your egg and wrap it tightly in cheesecloth. Place these in your dyes and see what patterns you can reveal.

Don’t be tempted to eat the eggs you’ve dyed - the salt and/or vinegar will have rendered them inedible. Instead, enjoy as a science experiment and as part of a pretty Easter table decoration.