Egg decoration around Easter time,
has been practiced for centuries, the
world over.
Each celebrating culture have their own traditional means of
decoration.
In our home, we too like to celebrate Easter by decorating
eggs, which we hang from a branch – as an Easter tree.
This year we are using
silk fabric dyed eggs.
A method where the fabric pattern imprints onto the shell.
It’s very simple, magical and effective.
Here is how we do it.
Tip #1 The lighter the colour of the egg shell
- the more
contrasted, the end result.
Tip #2 Use recycled silk fabric, from retired clothing,
bags,
work ties, boxer shorts, saris…
1.
Blow an egg by tapping a small hole in the top
and bottom. Blow firmly in long breaths, over a bowl. Then wash out the egg shells.
2. Cut squares of silk fabric large enough to cover
an egg completely.
Excess fabric can be trimmed later.3.
Cut similar sized squares of plain white cotton
fabric.
4.
Wrap each egg fairly tightly (and carefully!)
with a piece of silk first. Brightest side against the egg. Then wrap around
with a piece of cotton fabric. Secure with twist ties or rubber bands. (The
cotton will help prevent leakage of dye from the silk into the water.)5.
Place all of the wrapped eggs into a large aluminium-free
saucepan and cover with hot water. Add several Tablespoons of white vinegar. (approx. 1 per egg)
6.
Weight down the eggs with a plate, as they will
float.7.
Gently bring to the boil, then simmer for ½ hr. Remove
and leave to cool.
8.
Carefully unwrap each layer. Revealing the decorated
eggshell is a magical moment for all watching. Allow the water to drain from
the eggs.9.
Rub a dot of oil or beeswax over the entire
surface of the egg, to enhance the colour.
* I also decided to try using some dyed silk yarn wrapped around the eggs, using exactly the same instructions, as above. Containing the silk yarn within the cotton fabric.
After some trial and error, I found that pre- wetting the egg and yarn helped the yarn stay in place.
The results were beautiful. And the yarn still usable after drying off. *
To hang the eggs on a branch Easter tree – tie a length of cotton or
fishing wire to a thin stick. Pop the stick into the hole in the top of the
egg. It will turn sideways and support the thread from inside the egg.
Suggestions on how to
use these eggs to create excitement on Easter Sunday.
·
Dress a fallen branch in a vase on Easter Eve.
When your children get up in the morning, they’ll love the newly decorated
tree.
·
Follow the steps above (omitting step 1) to
create hard-boiled eggs. However, only boil for 15mins. Serve the decorated
eggs for breakfast.
·
Create a treasure hunt by hiding the decorated
eggs (perhaps add clues or a map for older children)
·
Place in a basket or bowl on the meal table, for
a festive decoration.
For further egg decoration ideas, try my round up from around the web.
Labels: Autumn, Craft, Creative, How to...Tutorial, Rhythm, Seasonal Festivals, Spring, Waldorf
