Have a Brighter Easter with SMC Eggs

Did you know you can dye brown eggs instead of white for a different range of colors? When brown eggs are immersed in dye, they take on darker, bolder colors.

The Dye

Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 20 drops of food coloring (use more to intensify color) in 1 cup of hot water in a heatproof bowl, cup, or jar deep enough to let you submerge an egg completely. To create different tints, vary the dipping time. To make handling the eggs easier, use tongs or a whisk.

Dye your eggs naturally using everyday ingredients! For directions visit our blog post on All Natural Egg Dyes.

Egg Dyeing Tips

• Before you begin dyeing eggs, protect your work area with paper towels or newspaper.
• Save your eggs from year to year or turn them into ornaments to hang from branches! Instead of hard-boiling the eggs, blow out the yolks and egg whites before dyeing them. To empty a raw egg, begin by using the tip of a sharp utility knife to pierce both ends of the egg; turn the knife in one of the holes to widen it slightly. Then, poke a straightened paper clip through the larger hole to pierce and "stir" the yolk. Hold the egg over a bowl with the larger hole down, and blow the contents out with a rubber ear syringe.
• Broken shells? Don’t throw them away! Crunch the dyed shells into little pieces to make a beautiful mosaic.
• Most naturally-dyed eggs have a matte finish. For shinier eggs rub eggs with coconut or olive oil and polish with a paper towel.

Egg Patterns and Designs

Try these different techniques for creative designs and patterns on your Easter Eggs!

Two-tone: Dip top half of egg in 1 color and the bottom half in another.

Dots and Shapes: Before dyeing, place stickers on the eggs. Once dry, remove stickers. Try using shapes or animals for different designs!

Stripes: Place rubber bands on the eggs before dyeing to create the design of choice. Once dry, remove rubber bands.

Personalized: Draw zig zags or pictures on the egg with a white or light colored crayon before dyeing.

Glitter: Use Glitter Glue to add sparkling designs on eggs. Allow glue to dry on eggs before moving.

Marbled: Mix 1/4 cup boiling water, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon oil and 4 to 8 drops food color in shallow bowl. Gently roll egg in mixture until desired shade. Transfer egg to second color mixture, and repeat the process. After egg dries, wipe away excess oil with paper towel.

Color Wash: Place several eggs in a colander in the kitchen sink. Splash eggs with vinegar. Drop desired food color onto eggs. Gently shake the colander for a few seconds to help the color spread. After 30 seconds, lightly rinse eggs with water. Drain completely. Allow eggs to dry.