Dying Eggs

CREATE NATURAL-DYED EGG DESIGNS FROM YOUR KITCHEN.

- BY PATRICIA LEHNHARDT

Dyeing Easter eggs with natural dye sources from the pantry and root cellar results in eggs that are beautiful in their earthiness and charm and peace of mind that the eggs are safe to eat.

The patterns for dyeing Easter eggs presented here were created with natural dyes and using a resist print using herb leaves, rubber bands and wax.

STEP 1: COOK THE EGGS

Place the eggs in a single layer in a large pot. Cover with cool water by 1 inch, and bring to a rolling boil. Turn off the heat and leave covered for 12 minutes. Drain the water and fill the pot with cold water to cool the eggs as quickly as possible. When cool, refrigerate until ready to dye.

STEP 2: MAKE THE DYE BATHS

CABBAGE, ONION SKINS & BEETS: Thinly slice red cabbage, crush onion skins and grate beets. Place one cup of your chosen ingredient with one cup of water in a medium saucepan. Do this with each ingredient separately to make three separate natural dyes.

Bring to a boil, cover, lower the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Allow to cool in the pot. Strain into a glass, pressing on the material to extract as much dye as possible. Add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to each of your natural dyes. Cover and refrigerate.