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The Easter egg, long before it's inclusion in the Christian holiday, has served as a symbol of fertility, new life, and approaching Spring. Eggs originally were colored, blessed, and given as gifts during early Spring. As Christianity spread, the egg began to be exchanged and decorated as a symbol of Christ's resurrection.
HOW TO BOIL EGGS
1. Place desired amount of eggs into saucepan.
2. Add cold water to pan until it reaches 1-inch above the eggs.
3. Add 1-teaspoon of salt to water (to prevent cracking).
4. Place pan on burner and cook over medium-high heat until the water begins a rapid boil for 1-minute.
5. Remove pan from heat and cover.
6. Allow to sit for 12-minutes.
7. Remove eggs from pan and refrigerate.
MAKE A COLORED EGG WHILE BOILING
CREPE PAPER COLORING
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Crepe paper
Saucepan
Eggs
Water
Vinegar
1. Measure 6-yards of crepe paper and place inside a large saucepan.
2. Add 6-cups tap water.
3. Stir in 6-tablespoons vinegar. (White vinegar is preferable.)
4. Carefully add 6 raw eggs into the saucepan.
5. Cook over medium heat until the water comes to a rolling boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, turning eggs periodically to ensure even coloring.
7. Remove, rinse and refrigerate eggs.
HINTS
ALWAYS look for non-toxic crepe paper if you plan on eating the eggs, too.
COLOR EGGS NATURALLY
You can color eggs without harsh dyes and chemicals by using common household items.
RED coloring can be achieved by boiling skins from red onions with the eggs.
PINK can be achieved by soaking already boiled eggs in cranberry juice.
BLUE coloring can be added to eggs by soaking hard boiled eggs in grape juice.
TAN or natural coloring can be added to eggs by boiling them in yellow onion skins.
BROWN coloring can be added to eggs by adding 1-tablespoon instant coffee and 1/2 teaspoon vinegar to a small bowl. Soak eggs for 3-10 minutes.
GREEN can be made from boiling eggs with spinach.
HINT: The longer you leave eggs soaking, the more rich their color will appear.
BASIC EGG COLORING WITH FOOD DYE
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Bowls(1-per each color)
Food coloring
Hot water (1 cup per each bowl)
1/4-cup vinegar (per each bowl)
Spoon
1. Set out your bowls. You'll need one medium sized bowl for each color mixture. Bowls should be large enough to hold at least one egg and one cup of water at a time.
2. Add several drops liquid food coloring or 1-teaspoon paste food coloring to each bowl.
3. Add one cup boiling water to each bowl and stir gently until color is evenly mixed.
4. Stir in 1/4 cup white vinegar to each bowl.
5. Using a spoon, slowly lower hard boiled eggs into bowls. Allow to sit for 3-5 minutes.
6. Remove eggs from colored water and allow to dry before refrigerating.
HINTS
YOU can double dip eggs two different colors by using a wire loop or pair of tongs. Dip eggs only halfway into one colored mixture and allow to dry. When dry, dip the other half into a different color.
SPONGE PAINTING
Sponge painting is an easy, cost-effective, fun way to add color and design to hard boiled eggs. Using pieces of sponge, your creativity will guide the way.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Watercolor paints
Eggs
Sponge
Scissors
1. Using a scissors or pen knife, cut your sponge into various shapes. Triangles and squares are easiest to do, but let your imagination be your guide.
2. Dip your cut sponge piece into the paint and press it lightly against the egg. The lighter you press, the more texture from the sponge will appear on the egg.
3. Continue until you are satisfied with the overall appearance.
4. Allow the egg to dry, then refrigerate.
HINTS
YOU can use various colors while sponge painting. For best results, allow one color to dry completely before using another.
ETCHED EGGS
This project requires an adult, as hot wax is used.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Dyed hardboiled eggs.
Paraffin wax.
Pencil, pen, or needle.
Food coloring.
1. Take one pre-dyed egg and dip it into paraffin wax so that the entire egg is coated. Allow to dry.
2. Etch a design, phrase, logo, or picture on to the egg using a sharp object, such as a needle, pen, or pencil.
3. Dip egg into a different colored dye using the food coloring recipe above, and allow to dry.
4. Remove wax by heating the egg in a saucepan of hot water.
5. Polish egg with small amount of vegetable oil and a soft cloth.
STAIN GLASS WINDOW DECORATING
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Masking tape
Eggs
Dye (food coloring or commercial)
1. Cut designs or shapes from masking tape and stick them on to the surface of your egg.
2. Dip eggs into dye and allow to dry thoroughly.
3. Remove masking tape.
4. Repeat
CRAYON EGGS
By using a white crayon, you will draw a design on a white, hard boiled egg before dipping into color. Once dipped, your design will remain uncolored and the focus of your creation.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Crayon or paraffin wax
Hardboiled eggs
Dye
1. Using a crayon or piece of paraffin wax, draw on your egg.
2. Dip egg into dye and allow to completely dry.
3. Repeat, if desired.
SWIRLED EGGS
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Hardboiled eggs
Food coloring or dye
Rubber or elastic bands
1. Wrap rubber or elastic bands around hard boiled eggs.
2. Carefully drop eggs into coloring, allowing them to sit 2-3 minutes.
3. Allow to dry.
4. Remove rubber or elastic bands.
5. Repeat, if so desired.
DESIGNER EGGS
Eggs can be decorated using almost anything from your craft supply box. With a little white glue, attach sequins, bits of fabric, glitter, beads, buttons and more.
TIPS AND TRICKS
MAKE sure that all the pans and utensils you use are completely clean and free of all oils, which will taint your coloring.
YOU can add shine and luster to finished eggs by rubbing them with a teaspoon of vegetable oil and a dish towel.
YOU can paint directly on eggs using undiluted food coloring and a paint brush.
MAKE egg holders by cutting a 1-inch strip of construction paper. Glue ends together and allow to dry. Decorate and place egg in the center.
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