Egg Decorating With Botanical Dyes

To-Dye-for-Botanical Eggs

The secret to these mini masterpieces? Foliage and flowers gathered from the garden. Blogger Sonia Bauer (bigsislilsis.com) of Oceanside, California, simply positioned a blossom or a leaf facedown against each egg, then wrapped the egg in a four-inch square of panty hose and secured it with a twist tie.

To achieve these earthy hues, Bauer whipped up her own dyes using purple cabbage, yellow onions, and cranberries.

Sonia Bauer’s Recipe For Making All-Natural Egg Dyes

1 Select produce based on your color choice: 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries; 1 head purple cabbage, sliced; skins from 3 yellow onions.

2: In a covered, 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, bring 10 cups water and produce to a boil; let boil for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then strain and discard produce. .

3: Bring water back to a gentle boil, then stir in 3 tablespoons vinegar (1⁄4 cup for cabbage). Gently lower eggs into pot and boil for 30 minutes..

4: Turn off heat, cover, and let stand for 2 to 3 hours, or until desired color is achieved. Remove eggs and transfer to carton; let cool.