Spring has arrived spreading her cloak of fresh green over gardens. Primal feelings surge inside the gardener’s psyche. Spring fever has hit and gardeners want to incorporate the icons of the season into their gardens. One such symbol is the egg, which symbolizes springtime, renewal, and rebirth.
This year, to signal springtime in your garden, why not dye eggs from things you grow? Nature’s dyes come in an array of hues which are distinct from the chemical based, garish mass-produced dyes. The resulting eggs fit naturally in the garden, tucked into statues, perched inside nests, or embellishing an empty birdbath. Another plus of is this project is ideal for children of all ages.
How To Dye Eggs Naturally
The easiest way to make natural dye for eggs is to boil plants, fruits, seeds, or hulls that have been cut up or crushed. Use a food processor, or a blender to macerate berries, carrots or any tougher treasures. Then, take at least two cups of the raw material and cover all the ingredients with water. Be sure to use a stainless steel, so you don’t stain the pot. Boil the brew a few minutes, then simmer for one half an hour.
The resulting liquid is the dye. Strain the liquid through a colander or sieve, and place into large bowls, or jars.
Add one teaspoon of vinegar for every cup of the the liquid dye to help set the color. While the dye is still hot, drop in hard-boiled eggs, and then refrigerate them overnight in the dye. For a beautiful sheen, rub the finished dyed eggs with vegetable oil.
The result is eggs that have a unique appearance, and each natural dye produces a different result.
The longer the eggs soak, the more solid the hue becomes, and some dyes just seem to make a more solid color. Onion skins in particular create a smooth color wash. However, the look from most berries is mottled, and uneven, almost like a bird’s egg or a stone.
Get kids involved on picking items to create the dyes. To get shades of red and pink, use cooked beets, raspberries, or strawberries. Brown dye results from using yellow onion skins, ground cayenne, or coffee grounds. Blue and purple hues can be concocted from red cabbage, blueberries, cranberries, and grapes.
Yellow and green stains are the most difficult to obtain. Try grass clippings, yellow flowers, ground turmeric, or asparagus stems, and let the eggs stew longer. For intense green or yellow the eggs may need to steep in the dye for 48 hours.
For longer lasting eggs, blow the inside liquid out before dying. Use a long needle and make a hole in the top and bottom of the egg. Breaking the yolk first makes the blowing out process easier. Blown eggs can stay outside, making them ideal for creating garden vignettes.
Extra Fun With Dyed Eggs
These springtime eggs can have a surprising second life fighting snails. Just crumble the shells and mound them a half inch high in a circle around plants to repel snails and slugs. Additionally, decomposing shells add calcium to the soil. Seasonal displays, snail protection,and a fun project for children, do you need more incentive to begin?
When you have several dyed eggs made, the creative fun begins. Hang blown eggs with fishing line so they dangle from trees, add eggs to wreaths, tie them onto gifts, or hang a few from masses of ribbon over the back of chairs. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, instead use your imagination.
