Dyeing Techniques
The cold-dipping method creates subtle, translucent shades, but may result in uneven coloring unless the eggs are rotated vigilantly. For the cold-dipping, the eggs and ingredients are boiled separately. After the dye has cooled and been strained, immerse the eggs for 5 to 10 minutes and pat dry with a paper towel.

The boiling technique involves boiling the eggs in the dye; as the egg heats and rolls in the boiling water, a more uniform and intense color is produced. To dye 8 eggs with the boiling technique, use 2 tablespoons of vinegar per quart of water. Place eggs in pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Add natural dye ingredients, bring to a rolling boil, and reduce to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Natural dyes create beautiful effects, but may not be suitable for eating. Use for decoration only.

Dye Recipes

Sienna Tones

4 packed cups of red onion skins. Boil for 30 minutes to an hour. Adjust the shade of red from light to rich crimson with amount of skins and soaking time.

Golden

Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of turmeric to hot water, or boil for more intense color

Pink

Soak hard-boiled eggs in cranberry or beet juice.

Violet Blue

Add violet blossoms to hot water and soak overnight. Lighten the mixture with lemon juice to create lavender.

Blue

Two heads (16 cups) of chopped red cabbage, 2 additional quarts of water and 6 additional tablespoons of white vinegar. Soak overnight for a deep royal blue

Green

Add ¼ teaspoon baking soda to Violet Blue mixture or boil eggs with spinach.

Lavender

Soak hard-boiled eggs in grape juice

Pastels

For soft pinks and blues, rub eggshells with blueberries and cranberries.

Beige

4 packed cups of yellow onion skins. Boil for 30 minutes to an hour. Adjust the shade of beige with amount of skins and soaking time.

Rich Brown

Boil eggs in 1 quart of coffee