How to Design Print Easter Eggs

30 de marzo de 2013

How to Design Print Easter Eggs

If the same old dyed Easter eggs are no longer cutting it, or if you want to add an element of sophistication to your holiday, design print eggs using cardboard template designs, an old nylon stocking and dye.

Edit Steps

Gather Supplies

Purchase eggs. Make sure you purchase white, not brown eggs in order to obtain the right color and transfer the pattern.
- Hard boil eggs and allow them to cool before dying. Consider boiling eggs earlier in the day and then allowing them to cool in the refrigerator before staring your project.

Pick up food grade dye. Go for gel dye or commercial grade dye for a more vibrant egg.

Select cardboard or plastic templates. Designs can be made a variety of ways including using painter’s tape (to create a symmetrical design on the eggs), cut outs of leafs or flowers, removable stickers that don specific shapes or templates from nature (such as leaves or flowers).

Rummage around for an old nylon stocking. You will need to wrap each egg inside the stocking before its immersed in the dye. Make sure you have enough nylon for the number of eggs you plan to create (and that you don’t need the stocking anymore).

Create Pattern Easter Eggs

Place templates on the egg. You will need to remove the templates following the dye process so make sure you affix the template so it stays in place but can be removed. Painter’s tape works well because it comes off easily but should remain in place until peeled away.
- Use thin string or thread to hold templates in place. You don’t want to the string to translate into the design so locate thread or string that is extremely thin. Wind around the template so you are confident it will stay in place and then tie off the end.
- Gently place templates on the egg and then allow the nylon stocking to hold them in place. Typically the templates will stay in place, however you do run the risk that they could move during the dye process.

Wrap egg inside a piece of nylon stocking. Make sure you have a snug fit so pull the stocking tightly and tie a small piece of string or thread to hold it in place.

Prepare egg dye according to package directions and then immerse the egg. Allow the egg to marinate in the dye according to directions and then remove and place on a wire rack to dry.

Allow for ample dry time before removing stocking and template. Even allowing the egg to dry overnight may not be enough time depending upon humidity levels and room temperature.
- Consider placing eggs in the refrigerator overnight to dry.

Snip away nylon and remove templates to expose the final design. Even if the egg is completely dry, take care peeling away tape or templates so you don’t disturb or compromise the pattern.