Spring Fling
Fill a tall vase with eggs in a range of greens to set off a spray of blooming branches.
Here's how: Create light, medium and dark shades of green, using the recipes on "Egg Dyeing 101," slide 7. When eggs reach desired hue, remove from dye and set aside to fully dry. Layer eggs to create an ombré effect, putting lightest tones at the bottom, medium in the middle and darkest on top.
Botanical Beauties
Flowers and foliage from the garden turn eggs into tiny works of art.
Here's how: Apply a little beaten egg white to backs of leaves with a small paintbrush and gently press onto eggshell to adhere. Cut a 5-inch tube from a pair of nylon stockings and place egg inside. Gather excess nylon tightly in back of egg and fasten with a rubber band. Submerge egg in dye bath (see "Egg Dyeing 101" on slide 7 for full dyeing instructions). When egg reaches desired color, remove and blot with a paper towel. Snip rubber band and carefully remove stocking and leaves. Blot again, and set aside to dry.
Letter-Perfect
Display monogrammed eggs in shot glasses for place settings with a personal touch.
Here's how: Follow dyeing directions on "Egg Dyeing 101," slide 7. Pick a favorite font from your computer for inspiration. Using a white paint pen, create letters out of a series of dots on the surface of eggs.
Center of Attention
Give your table some Easter charm with a festive pastel garland.
Here's how: Make a small hole in the bottom of an egg using an egg-blowing kit. Expel contents following manufacturer's directions, rinse and let dry. Make a second hole at top. Because blown eggs float, hold eggs in dye bath until you get the shade you want. Blot eggs and set aside until fully dry. To create the garland, string thin cording onto a tapestry needle and carefully run it through holes in each egg, alternating colors. Tie ends into knots.
Pattern Play
Graphic designs reach new heights perched atop glass candlesticks.
Here's how: Cut a 5-inch tube from a pair of patterned stockings, then make an opening on one side. Wrap stocking around egg, gathering it tightly and securing with a rubber band. Submerge egg in dye bath. When egg reaches desired shade, remove. Snip rubber band with scissors and remove stocking. Blot and set aside to dry.
Band Practice
Eggs earn their stripes in vibrant colors and abstract patterns.
Here's how: Cover egg with rubber bands and submerge in dye bath. When egg reaches desired color, remove. Carefully snip off bands with scissors and blot dry.
Egg Dyeing 101
We used these shades, but check out ritdye.com for a rainbow of options.
Chartreuse
1/8 tsp Kelly Green
2 tsp Golden Yellow
Teal
1 tbsp Aquamarine
1/8 tsp Kelly Green
1/4 tsp Teal
Pale Pink
1 tsp Tan
1/16 tsp Cherry Red
Pale Green
1/4 tsp Kelly Green
1 tsp Golden Yellow
1 tsp Lemon Yellow
3/4 tsp Aquamarine
Dark Pink
1 tsp Tan
1/8 tsp Cherry Red
Medium Green
1 tsp Kelly Green
1 tbsp Golden Yellow
Dark Green
2 tsp Kelly Green
4 tsp Golden Yellow
Green Blue
3 tsp Aquamarine
1 tsp Teal
Chambray
1/2 tsp Evening Blue
1/4 tsp Tan
Coral Red
1/8 tsp Scarlet
1/8 tsp Tangerine
Dark Blue
1 tbsp Teal
2 tsp Royal Blue
Purple
1 tsp Royal Blue
1/4 tsp Purple
Violet
1/8 tsp Royal Blue
1/4 tsp Purple
Coral Pink
1/4 tsp Cherry Red
1/4 tsp Sunshine Orange
Originally published in the April 2012 issue of Family Circle magazine.
