Is your family tradition to spend time together dying colorful Easter Eggs? If so, try this wonderfully easy and creative way to dye eggs and recycle at the same time.
At Impact Thrift we love the idea of recycling/repurposing and present our version of this free tutorial. As you see from the photo above, our version adds white tie-die-esque areas to the print design resembling the look of some spring and summer fashions.
First, gather your supplies. You’ll need:
• Raw Eggs
• Colorful 100% Silk Ties – one per egg
• White fabric such as an old sheet or pillowcase cut into approx 9” squares
• Rubber bands or twist ties – 2 per egg
• 1/4 Cup White Vinegar
• 2-4 quart sauce pan, tap water, stove
And here’s how:
Step 1, choose 100% silk ties. This process does not work with synthetic or polyester ties because of the type of dyes used. We didn’t try cotton ties but if you try it and it works, please let us know! Each tie should have a fiber content label similar to the one in photo. The wide ties provide more fabric than skinny ties. Silk ties are readily available at Impact Thrift Stores for under $1 each!
Step 2, Deconstruct the wide end of the tie by carefully removing the stitching that holds the various layers together. Cut across the tie approx. 6 inches from the bottom point.
Step 3. Holding the right side of the silk fabric against your egg, tightly wrap the fabric around the egg taking care not to crush the egg! Try to lay the fabric flat against the shell with as few wrinkles as possible. Tightly tie the top of the fabric with either a rubber band or twist tie. Any wrinkles or gaps in fabric may result in un-dyed (white) portions of shell showing. Of course, you may choose to leave areas white as a design element (I meant to do that!)
Step 4. Next, wrap a square of the white fabric around each egg in the same manner. Tie the top of each in the same manner. The white fabric keeps the colors from blending together.
Step 5. Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs. Bring to a boil and then add 1/4 cup white vinegar. Carefully place the eggs in the pot and boil for 20 minutes.
Step 6. Use tongs to remove the eggs from the water and allow to cool in a colander. Once cool, remove the fabric and…
Voila! Colorful, one of a kind, Easter eggs!
Click here for a printable version of this DIY tutorial.
