Unique Ways to Decorate Easter Eggs
There are dozens of fun, innovative, and unique ways to decorate Easter eggs that range all skill levels, from those that are child-friendly to those that require a sophisticated artist's touch. Some methods involve nothing more than household items, while others might require a trip to the craft store. Whichever method you choose, these ideas will be sure to inspire you to think outside the shell.
Unique Dying Techniques
If you'd still like to participate in the tradition of dying Easter eggs but would like a unique way to do so, you have several options. First, you can use natural sources—fruits and vegetables—as the base of your color. For example, blueberries create a deep purple hue, cranberries a brilliant red, or turmeric a deep yellow. Boil your ingredient in water and mix with alum powder (found in the spice aisle). Add a couple tablespoons of vinegar along with the eggs for the last ten minutes. The longer the eggs stay in this natural dye, of course, the more saturated the shade. This technique is an excellent eco-friendly approach and educational for young children.
Another interesting method is to create patterns on the eggshells before dying using everyday items. Using string or yarn to wrap around the egg will result in a striking, modern striped pattern. For a more elegant, subtle look, cut lace into strips, ensuring that these strips are long enough to wrap around the egg; tie the excess with a rubber band. For a botanical look, adhere small leaves or herbs with some egg white to the shell; wrap the egg in pantyhose before dying. Use fabric glue to create polka dots, swirls, or other designs; once the glue is dry, dye as instructed and peel off the glue.
Egg Creatures
Children will love creating insects and animals out of just a few materials. Red-dyed eggs become ladybugs with some black construction paper and marker; pink-dyed eggs become bunnies with ears cut out of felt, a pom pom for a nose, and yarn for whiskers; and yellow-dyed eggs become adorable chicks with an orange triangle-shaped felt beak and felt "feet" to serve as a base.
Decoupage
With just a paintbrush, glue sealant (such as Mod Podge), and beautiful craft paper, you can decoupage eggs. This craft takes some fine motor control and a lot of time, so it's best suited for older children and adults. Use origami paper, metallic paper, or gold leaf to create elegant looks, and be sure to seal the finished eggs with a coat of your sealant or glue to preserve your hard work.
Hanging Ornaments
In Europe, Easter eggs are hung on branches as ornaments. Wrap fabric ribbon around the equator of the eggs; try using colorful or rickrack-shaped ribbon in a variety of widths. Affix a loop of sturdy ribbon at one end for hanging. As with all the craft techniques above, it is easiest to puncture pin-sized holes at either end of the egg to drain it of contents before decorating.
