How to dye Easter eggs

Tools and Supplies:

• 2 or 3 medium-sized coffee mugs (or pots)
• Slotted spoon
• Hard-boiled eggs (as many as you need)
• Clear spray adhesive or clear glue stick

Naturally dyed Easter egg (colour: brown):
• White table vinegar
• Coffee grinds

Polk-a-dot Easter egg:
• A white tapered candle and matches/lighter (not non-drip)

Lace-detailed Easter egg:
• Lace

Sparkly Easter egg:
• Fine gauge sparkles

Instructions (using natural dye):
1. In a medium pot, add one cup of water for every handful of dyestuff (for coffee and blue berries, I did one heaping tablespoon).
2. Boil the mixture until you like the colour obtained, but keep in mind that the eggs will be lighter than the liquid. If you want darker eggs, let the mixture boil longer.
3. When you like the colour, strain the liquid and put in to a glass jar or cup. Add 2-3 teaspoons of white table vinegar for every cup of dye.
4. Put the egg into the dye. The egg should be completely submerged. Be careful, as the jar will be hot.
5. Let sit for as long as necessary to obtain the desired colour. NOTE: I left both eggs overnight.
6. Remove eggs from liquid (NOTE: I use a slotted spoon to scoop them out). Be careful, as the colour can rub off. Gently place upright to dry (this will seal the colour).

Tip:For store-bought dye, follow the instructions on the box.

Instructions (Sparkly Easter egg):
1.Dye the egg
2. Apply a layer of glue all over the egg
3. Gently roll in glitter
4. Set aside until glue has completely dried

Instructions (Lace-detailed Easter egg version 1):
1. Dye the egg
2. Apply a line of glue around the egg
3. Carefully place the lace around the egg one section at a time

Instructions (Lace-detailed Easter egg version 2):
1. Start with a non-dyed egg
2. Choose the desired piece of lace
3. Apply glue to the lace and then adhere to the egg
4. Dye the egg with the lace attached

Instructions (Polk-a-dot Easter egg):
1. Start with a non-dyed egg
2. Keeping the egg as level as possible, drip one drop of wax on the egg at a time (make sure they do not slide)
3. let each drop harden before turning the egg to apply your next drop of wax
4. Dye the egg
5. Once the egg is dyed, carefully scrape off the wax with a spoon

First published in Chatelaine.com's May 2009 issue.
© Rogers Publishing Ltd.