How to Dye Eggs With Onion Skins

Onion skins can be used to dye eggs to create both interesting patterns and colors.

Steps

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    Assemble the supplies needed. These are listed under "Things You'll Need" below.
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    Lay the cloth out on the work surface.
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    Place around six layers of onion skins on top of the cloth.
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    Arrange the leaves or rice grains on top of the onion skins. These will form interesting patterns on the eggshell.
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    Place one egg on the top of these layers. Wrap the cloth around the egg and onion skins firmly.
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    Wrap rubber bands around the cloth to keep it firmly in place. This also serves to press the onion skins against the egg surface.
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    Repeat with as many eggs as you're making.
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    Place each wrapped egg into a saucepan of boiling water. Boil for around 30 minutes, adding more water if necessary. Don't overcrowd with too many eggs––it is better to boil in separate containers if you have a lot of eggs.
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    Remove each boiled egg from the water with the slotted spoon. Allow to cool, then unwrap the egg and reveal its design.
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    Allow to dry. Once dry, the egg can be rubbed over with a small amount of cooking oil. This will make it shinier.
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    Place on display.

Tips

  • Rice and small leaves are just suggestions. You can not use them, or you can substitute other items that can withstand the boiling process and will leave a pattern.
  • Brown onion skins will give you a range of brown, yellow and golden hues.
  • Purple onion skins will give you a range of purple, magenta and pinkish hues.

Warnings

  • These eggs are for decorative effect rather than for eating. An egg that has been boiled for 30 minutes isn't palatable.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth, old in 20cm/8" squares, as many as are needed for
  • Bits of leaves or rice (to make interesting effects)
  • Onion skins, brown or purple
  • Eggs, as many as you need to make
  • Rubber bands
  • Saucepan or pot
  • Water for boiling
  • Slotted spoon

Article Info

Categories: Easter Crafts