Natural Dyes

Mar 28

Spring has sprung, and in South Carolina, we are enjoying the beautiful colors of spring everywhere!

I’ve been playing with colorful, natural dyes in the kitchen this week, and I wanted to share: how beautiful natural colorants can be, how to make “cracked dinosaur eggs,” and a pretty little tip for using the remainder of your natural liquid dye.

Dying Easter eggs can be a vibrant tradition, but did you know that you can make artful Easter eggs with some of the colorants that you already have in your kitchen?

These eggs were naturally died using hibiscus flowers, turmeric, coffee, chlorophyll, and blueberry powder.

This week, I’m going to try beets, purple cabbage, purple and yellow onion. I’ll post the results on this blog, so check back again to see how they turned out! Or, follow along on Instagram: @weavingalchemy.

EASY INSTRUCTIONS

Hard boil eggs. Let them cool.

Make your dye by mixing your plant matter or powder with 2 cups of water and a little vinegar. Bring to a boil and simmer until it reaches your desired color. Let it cool.

Soak your hard boiled eggs in the dye for several to many hours until it reaches your desired richness. (I used a glass jar to prevent staining.)

Remove the eggs and let dry. Don’t rub.

Apply a tiny amount of oil to shine, if you like the effect.

ABOVE: Left: coffee, Middle: Chlorophyl, Right: Coffee with grounds

HOW TO MAKE cracked DINOSAUR EGGS:

When my kids were tiny, they loved eating “cracked Dinosaur eggs.”

To make the cracks: Hard boil the eggs. Crack them enough to make a few large cracks.

Soak the eggs in the liquid dye of your choice for several hours.

Peel and serve the dinosaur eggs to children, young and old.

LEFTOVERS TO DYE FOR

If you have enough liquid dye leftover, try dying an old dish towel to cover its imperfections. This was once an old white towel that has been beautifully stained with blueberries and hibiscus.