Happy Easter to you! I came across these videos and thought you might like them, as well.  They have some good suggestions that I haven’t heard of before.  

In VIDEO #1, she tells you how you can naturally dye your Easter eggs using food and spices. Most are quite simple to do. In the middle of the video, she talks about the science of eggs and conducts “egg experiments” that you can do with kids while the eggs are soaking up the dye. I liked the “bouncing egg” experiment myself.

In VIDEO #2, there are instructions for naturally dying eggs using fruits and vegetable (no spices used). There is a slide during the video (at 1:55) that shows which fruits and vegetables make which colors that I thought was very useful.

In VIDEO #3, there are more instructions (by the same person in Video #2) for how to decorate Easter eggs.  I don’t know how fond I am of using egg whites to adhere things, since I am unclear if the non-beneficial organisms in raw egg are killed when the egg white dries.  They probably are, but I personally would want this confirmed before I would want to use this technique. 

In VIDEO #4, the video tells you how to dye eggs using onion skins. This technique is very different from the others and creates interesting looking eggs.

Overall, these natural techniques take longer for the color to be absorbed than store-bought dye does, but if you have the time (or want to leave your eggs soaking overnight), you’ll have some gorgeous, naturally-colored Easter eggs.

Happy Crafting,

AJ

Video #1 – Good video, easy techniques and good tips. Can skip the middle of the video if not interested in doing “egg experiments” with kids.

Video #2 – Good instructions, excellent reference slide of what foods create what colors

Video #3 – by the same people as Video #2, more eco-friendly decorating ideas

Video #4 – Dye eggs using onion skins

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Try your hand at a quick and colorful Easter centerpiece decoration for your table setting. Like most of us, we probably have at least two, maybe three glass vases that could easily be turned in to something really beautiful and unique without breaking the bank.

For this Easter craft project you will need the following supplies:

–Glass vase; We chose to use a tall clear one, with no design on it.
–Easter paper grass; We chose bright green, but any coordinating Easter color also works.
–1 large Easter egg; We chose a pink ceramic egg
–5 medium Easter eggs; We chose artificial eggs in pink, blue & crème in a multi colored spotted finish.
–3 small Easter eggs; We chose artificial white eggs
–1 decorative craft bird; We chose one in pink, blue and yellow to complement the colors of the eggs.
–Double sided sticker square

Step 1 – Begin by creating egg shaped forms of the Easter paper grass in your hand.  For this project we made six, but it will vary depending on the width and height of your vase.  Next, take your Easter paper grass forms that you have made and drop them in to the vase one at a time.  This will build height to your project; at least one quarter of the vase should now be full.

Step 2 – Begin layering your artificial eggs, medium then small.  Repeat the process. 

Step 3 – Place your large ceramic egg on top of the artificial eggs.  At this point your vase should be half full. You are now ready to do your final step.

Step 4 – Take your double sided sticker square and apply it to the bottom of your decorative craft bird and press firmly.  Next, carefully place your craft bird in to the vase, resting it side ways on to the large ceramic egg with the feathers facing down (for photos see below).  When you have completed your project, at least one eighth of the glass vase should be empty at the top of your vase.

You now have a beautiful custom and unique Easter decoration for your table top that your guests are sure to ooh and ah at.  Another idea would be to pair your vase with another one facing the other end of your table setting.  If you choose to add a second vase, just remember to double your supplies listed above.

 Linda Johnson is a degreed and experienced crafter and interior/exterior decorating specialist, with years of experience helping friends, family, and clients solve their decorating and craft needs. Find tons more craft and decorating ideas and photos of this and other projects, and submit your own great ideas for free by visiting http://www.showcasetoideas.com/easter.html