Monday, March 21, 2016

Silk Dyed Easter Eggs

If you're looking for a very easy, but impressive easter egg project, this is it! I have to give credit to the infamous Martha Stewart Show, which is where I learned this technique.



Materials:

  • Patterned Silk. I used silk scarves, but you could use any silk fabric (ties, scarves, shirts)
  • Raw eggs (they will cook while they are being dyed)
  • White cotton
  • Twist ties or rubber bands or string
  • Non reactive (glass or enamel pot) although I don't have either of these so used metal and it works
  • White vinegar and water



Directions:

Cut your silk into squares that will fit around the eggs. Also cut the white cloth to the same size. You can eyeball all of this, it does not need to be exact.


Wrap each egg in the silk and tie with a twist tie, rubber band or anything that will tie it tight (I used baking twine). The tighter you tie it, the more pattern you will have.


Wrap each silk covered egg in white cotton. I used an old t-shirt that had seen better days. The layer of cotton helps to keep the dye in place.

Place the eggs in your pot and fill with water so that they are covered. Add approximately 3 tablespoons of white vinegar to the water and bring to a boil.

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.


Remove the eggs from the water and let them cool. Unwrap each egg and see your work of art.


Each one will be unique. An optional step is to add a little bit of vegetable oil to a paper towel to wipe each egg to make it shine.





You can also paint or use markers on the eggs after they are dry. I added some green marker to the one on the bottom to add some extra interest. I should also add that you can save the used silk to use again. The purple pieces were previously used a few years ago for the same project and still came out great!


What's your favorite way to dye eggs?

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