Use these common household ingredients to dye beautiful Easter eggs.
1. Gently wash eggs with soapy water and dry.
2. Place a single layer of eggs in a non-metal pot with the dye source.
3. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes, and remove pot from burner. If you like the color as it is, dab off excess dye with a paper towel and set the eggs on a rack to dry. To deepen the color, leave eggs in the pot until cool. To get even richer shades, put cool eggs in a bowl, strain the dye water, and pour it over the eggs. Store the submerged eggs in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Note: Quantities are based on 1 quart of liquid. Amounts of dyeing ingredients are approximate; more dyestuff and longer dye baths produce the deepest colors. All boiled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator, and any that have soaked in hot or warm water for several hours should not be eaten.
1. Coffee
Quantity: 1 quart strong coffee plus water to cover the eggs
Color: Brown
2. Blueberries
Quantity: Up to 4 cups
Color: Lavender
3. Cranberry Juice
Quantity: Full-strength
Color: Light pink
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4. Yellow Onion Skins
Quantity: Up to 4 packed cups
Color: Sienna
5. Beet Juice
Quantity: Half strength or more of the vinegar water
Color: Deep pink
6. Paprika
Quantity: 3 tablespoons or more
Color: Brick red
7. Turmeric
Quantity: 3 or more tablespoons
Color: Yellow-green
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8. Purple Grape Juice
Quantity: Half or more of the liquid
Color: Blue-gray
9. Red Cabbage
Quantity: 4 or more cups, chopped (boil and then soak overnight)
Color: Robin's egg blue
10. Spinach or Grass
Quantity: Up to 4 cups
Color: Green
11. Red Wine
Quantity: Full strength or diluted with water only
Color: Deep purple
from Baking Soda, Banana Peels, Baby Oil and Beyond
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