DIY: Dying Easter Eggs

Eggs have been used as a symbol of Spring for thousands of years, and have been associated with Easter since the beginning of Christianity. There are many techniques for decorating Easter eggs.

10-Inch Glass Vase

Preparing Eggs
When decorating real eggs, you can use either hard boiled eggs or blown eggs. For perfect hard boiled eggs, place eggs in a single layer in the bottom of a pan. Cover with cold water one inch over the tops of the eggs. Bring to a boil and remove the pan from the heat. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. If you want to keep the eggs for several years, use a nail or pin to pierce a hole in both ends of the egg. Use a straightened paper clip pushed into the hole to break the yolk. Blow the contents of the egg into a bowl, wash, and dry the egg inside and out.

Dying Easter Eggs
Either hard boiled or blown eggs can be dyed using liquid food coloring. According to Martha Stewart, place one cup of hot water in a bowl or jar. Add one teaspoon vinegar and up to 20 drops of food coloring. Place egg in bowl until it is the desired color. Dry the eggs on a foam core board with pins stuck in to support the egg.

Displaying Easter Eggs
While Easter eggs are traditionally placed in baskets, they can be displayed in many ways. Place them in a glass bowl or stack them in a glass vase for a colorful centerpiece. Decorated eggs at the base of potted grasses creates a nice spring display.