Easter Egg-stravaganza!

The Art of Dying Easter Eggs

By Tawra Kellam

OK, so the kids noticed on the calendar that Easter is approaching and they want to make a huge production of dying eggs. In the past, the little stickers you bought at the store sufficed, but now they want the real thing. Here are some old standards with a few new ideas for you.

One important note: When the kids get really excited about egg dying, don't feel sorry for them and pour the leftover egg dye in their bath water so they can have more fun (no matter how much they beg and plead – especially if it's food coloring). Someone might panic and declare a citywide medical quarantine if they see your kids dyed all sorts of strange colors in their Easter finery.

Before you decorate Easter eggs, cover the entire table with newspaper. Keep a huge roll of paper towels or rags handy for messes. Have each kid wear one of dad's old (now disposable) T-shirts.

Cut toilet paper roll cores into 1-inch cylinders and use for egg stands. Decorate with stickers or paint.

Traditional method: Hard boil eggs. Fill several mugs with boiling water and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of vinegar. Place a few drops of desired food coloring in each mug. Place eggs in mugs for several minutes until eggs reach desired shades. Remove with a spoon. Place on paper towel to dry. When dry, polish with a small amount of shortening on a paper towel. Buff until glossy. You can draw or write on the eggs with a light-colored or white crayon before dipping. The drawing will remain white after the egg is dipped.

Want to see more?

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• Bringing Home the Easter Bunny: Should Your Child Have a Rabbit as a Pet?
• Bunnies and Ham and Eggs, Oh My! Ideas for Easter and Beyond
• Family Energy Magazine
• Talk about it!