How to "Tie Dye" Eggs

Dyeing eggs isn't just for Easter anymore! This is a fun and easy way to decorate eggs that will last and are appropriate for any time of year

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cleaned and blown eggs
• Many different colors of oil paint.
• Large plastic bucket (3x larger than eggs to be painted)
• Water
• Wooden Skewers
• Styrofoam block
• High gloss acrylic sealer
• Latex gloves
• Paper towels
• Table covering

1. Eggs can be purchased already cleaned and sterilized from Metzer Farms (link below), or please see my article "How to Empty Eggs for Decorating" to clean them properly. Make sure the eggs are completely dry before starting project.

2. Fill bucket with lukewarm water. Bucket should be at least 3x the depth of the eggs being used. A plastic ice cream bucket works best as it can be thrown away after project is complete.

3. Using different color oil paint, slowly and by drops only, add to water one color at a time. Use a wooden skewer to gently swirl through paint to create pattern

4. Carefully lower the eggshell into the water, using a clean wooden skewer to push the egg under the water. Keep in mind that once the egg is wet the paint will not stick to it. Blow on the surface of the water gently, and use the skewer to move the egg through the water to get the oil paint as you push the egg down.

5. Once the egg has been submerged, blow on the top of the water to clear a place and bring the egg up. This can be done by either using the skewer or, once an area of clean water is available, gently reach in and placing one finger on each end near the holes, lift it from the water. Place the egg on the skewer and drain over the water bucket until most of the water is gone. Place the skewer and egg in the block of Styrofoam for drying.

6. Before doing the next egg, be sure to clean the surface of the water with the paper towel, skimming off the oil paint residue. After 3-4 eggs, it is recommended that the water be replaced with fresh.

7. Watch the eggs while drying. Be careful of water droplets that remain and may cause surface problems with the oil. These can be removed by either blowing warm air gently over the egg with a hair dryer or gently touching the corner of a piece of paper toweling to the water droplets to remove.

8. Once egg is completely dry (overnight at least is best depending on quantity of oil paint on egg), spray a light coat of the high gloss acrylic over the egg to seal it, making sure the coat is uniform and isn't applied to heavily so that it drips. Allow to dry overnight.

9. Finish the egg for hanging by threading a ribbon through it and securing it on both ends with larger crystal beads; or simply place all your decorated eggs in a bowl as a centerpiece.

Tips & Warnings

• I've found the small bottles of oil paint that is used for Hobby painting of miniature cars, etc. works great. Tons of different colors, and the metallic ones create a great effect.
• Oil based paint is only removable with turpentine or the equivalent. Please take appropriate precautions to prevent damage to furniture or clothing.

Resources

• Metzer Farms, Eggs of all sizes
• International Egg Art Guild
• Wilma's Egg Art, Supplies

[dianesteinbach]

on 1/25/2008 Great article, can't wait to try it this easter