Silk and Marbled Easter Eggs

Studio 5 Contributor, Kiersten Blanchard, shows us how to give your eggs a whole new look.

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Silk Easter Eggs

Needed:

Small to medium-size raw eggs

Glass or enamel pot (Teflon-coated will also work)

Silk (ties, blouses, or boxers) cut into pieces large enough to cover an egg

White sheets (or pillowcases or old tablecloths), cut into pieces

Twist ties or rubber bands

3 tablespoons of white vinegar

Water

Vegetable oil or shortening

Paper towels

Tongs or slotted spoon

Directions:

1. Cut silk into a square (or a piece) large enough to wrap around a raw egg.

2. Place a raw egg on the piece of silk, making sure the printed side of the material is facing the egg. (Silk can still be used if it doesn’t fit perfectly around egg.)

3. Place the silk-wrapped egg in a piece of white sheet, pillowcase, or old tablecloth cut large enough to wrap around the silk-covered egg, and secure tightly with a twist tie or rubber band.

4. Place the egg(s) in an enamel or glass pot. Fill pot with water to cover eggs completely. Then, add three tablespoons of white vinegar.

5. On the stove, bring water to a boil. Turn heat down, and simmer for 20 minutes (longer if you plan on eating the eggs).

6. Remove eggs from water with tongs or spoon and let cool.

7. Remove white clothe and silk from cooled egg.

8. For a glossy sheen, dip a paper towel in vegetable oil or shortening and lightly rub the eggs after completing step 7.

Hints

Silk goods such as ties, blouses, and boxers can be purchased at rummage sales or thrift stores. Silk can be reused on eggs.

Marvelous Marbled Eggs

Needed:

12 eggs (blown with egg blower, or hard boiled if you want to eat them later)

Eggs

Several mixing bowls, shallow and deep

Measuring spoons

Liquid measuring cup

White Vinegar

Food coloring

Spoon and fork

Olive oil

Paper towels

Tongs or slotted spoon

Directions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine 3 cups warm water, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 10-20 drops of food coloring. Place egg in dye, and leave it submerged until it turns desired shade. Remove with tongs or slotted spoon and let dry for 15 minutes.

2. In a wide shallow bowl (I used a glass pie plate) prepare a second batch of dye, which will provide the swirls in a darker shade or contrasting color. Liquid should not be deeper than one half-inch. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Run a fork through, creating swirls and dots of oil on the surface of your dye.

3. As oil swirls, place dyed (dried) egg in mixture, and roll it once around the bowl to pick up oil streaks. Remove the egg.

4. Gently pat with a paper towel. Let dry 30 minutes. Wipe any remaining oil. (Oil will give the egg a glossy sheen.)

Hints:

You can experiment with color combinations. I found a lighter hue for the base coat, and dark contrasting swirls works best.

An egg blower can be purchased at your local craft store.

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