Using Natural Dyes for Easter Eggs
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought dyes, using natural dyes for Easter eggs may be the perfect solution.
Materials
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Slow cooker
- Crockpot liners
- Natural dye ingredients (onion skins, red cabbage, beets, coffee grounds, tea bags)
- Water
- Cups or glass jars
- Tongs or a slotted spoon
Natural Dyes ingredients
- 8-10 teabags (more for deeper colors)
- 1-2 cups ground coffee
- 6 Beets (quartered)
- 1 small head of red cabbage, sliced
- Several big handfuls of dry onion skins (I save them ahead of time)
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of your slow cooker with a crockpot liner.
- Fill your slow cooker about half full with water.
- Add your natural dye ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Turn your slow cooker on high and allow the water to heat up for about 3 to 4 hours until the dye liquid is fairly dark.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the plant material from the slow cooker.
- Ladle the dye liquid into cups or glass jars.
- Carefully dip your hard-boiled eggs into the dye mixture. The longer they sit, the darker the color.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the eggs from the dye mixture and place them in a colander to drain any excess dye.
- Allow the eggs to cool completely before handling them.
Notes
Note: If you want to create designs or patterns on your eggs, you can use a white crayon or wax to draw on the egg before dipping it into the dye mixture.
Have fun using natural dyes for your Easter eggs! You’ll end up with beautiful earthy, subtle tones that are perfect for the season.