Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs with Onion Skins & Herb Patterns
Create beautifully patterned Easter eggs using only natural ingredients and a handful of fresh herbs and flowers. Dyed with onion skins and decorated with botanical prints, these eggs are a charming, eco-friendly way to celebrate Easter traditions.
Ingredients
- eggs (as many as desired, preferably white)
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 1.5 L water for the dye
- dried skins from 7–8 onions
- 50 ml vinegar
- fresh leaves and/or small flowers e.g., parsley, lovage, or other fresh herbs or flowers
- a small amount of neutral oil for polishing
Instructions
- Begin by washing the eggs thoroughly, then place them in a pot of water. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water (this helps remove the expiration date stamp from the shells more easily).
- Bring to a boil, then cook until hard-boiled (~10 min). Once done, allow the eggs to cool and gently rub off any remaining residue left on the shells.
- Meanwhile, prepare the natural dye. In a separate pot, combine 1.5 liters (6.5 cups) of water with the dried skins from 7–8 onions. Add 50 ml (1.7 floz) of vinegar and bring to a boil. Let the mixture simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the liquid turns a deep brown color. Strain out and discard the onion skins.
- Place a small leaf, flower, or herb on each egg. Carefully wrap the egg in a piece of thin cloth, mesh, tulle, silk stocking, or even a plain old curtain - tight enough to hold the plant in place. Submerge the wrapped eggs in the hot onion dye and leave them to soak for 15–20 minutes, or longer if you prefer a deeper shade.
- Once the desired color is achieved, remove the eggs and carefully unwrap them. For a beautiful finish, polish each egg with a soft cloth lightly dipped in oil.
- Happy Easter!
Notes
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