Looking for a way to create display-worthy eggs this season? Dyeing easter eggs with tea is a simple way to achieve a more natural, “rustic” look. Things you will need to make tea dyed eggs:
- Eggs
- Various teas for dyeing (refer to the color guide below).
- Newspaper
- Non-staining bowls for dye baths
Tea Dye Baths for Eggs
Color Guide:
Pink: Equal parts Black Cherry Tea & Beet Juice
Purple: Equal parts Black Cherry tea & Concord Grape Juice
Bright Yellow: Sencha Green Tea
Light Yellow: Chamomile
Grey: Rose Hips & Hibiscus Tea
Blue: Black Cherry Tea & ½ c. Crushed Blueberries
Orange: Rooibos & ½ tsp. Turmeric
Light Brown: Any Black Tea
Tea to Dye Eggs
Create fun designs with a wax crayon on eggs
Helpful hints:
- Although Hibiscus tea is deep red in color, do not let this fool you! It will turn your eggs grey.
- Some herbal teas may change the taste of hard-boiled eggs.
- Do not use herbal teas if you are allergic to anything in them.
- As always, adult supervision is a must around boiling water.
Get Creative!
- Use a wax crayon to draw fun designs or messages on eggs before dyeing.
- Immediately after removing from the dye bath, use a damp sponge on eggs to create a marble effect.
- Polish a dried egg with vegetable oil to create a glossy sheen.
Most importantly, have fun! Dyeing with tea is not an exact science. Feel free to make up your own techniques and experiment with different teas. Chances are, you’ll end up with a sophisticated color palette to usher in a long-awaited Spring.
note that this post was originally published in april 2014
