If you’re like us, you’ve had your fill of the run-of-the-mill grocery store egg dyeing kit with the weird wire holders, little tablets of egg dye, and cheap plastic egg cups. It’s fun and all, but you’ve probably thought for a few years now that surely there must be some better ways to jazz up this tired springtime ritual? Well, you’ve come to the right place! There is a better way! We’ve put together a great list of possibilities to bring your Easter egg game to the next level. Try one or all of these ideas to make this beloved tradition an artistic and fun venture once again.

Experiment with Natural Dyes

Many of us are working hard to make our homes a more organic and chemical-free place. So it just doesn’t make sense to throw that out the window once a year for a holiday tradition that could easily be given a natural twist. There are many recipes on the web for creating almost any color you need by dyeing your eggs with things like blueberries and red cabbage.  You’ll enjoy peace of mind when your family eats the after-Easter egg salad because everything involved in the process was from the earth. If you want all the natural elements, but not as much of the work there are also some awesome natural dye kits from companies committed to organic ingredients and sustainability. We also love the muted, homey colors these natural dye alternatives create.

Pressed Flower Eggs

We love this creative idea with another organic twist. The steps are fairly simple, making this a great activity to include little ones.

You’ll need: mod-podge or non-toxic glue, small flowers, egg dye and nylon stockings. (Old or torn stockings are perfect, as long as they’re clean of course!)

• Step 1: This project works best if you press your flowers for at least a few minutes under a heavy book on a flat surface. This can take place while you prepare the eggs.
• Step 2: If you’d like colorful eggs, start by dyeing them as you normally would. These are also beautiful on plain white eggs so this step is not completely necessary if you prefer a cleaner look.
• Step 3: If you’ve dyed them, wait until the egg is completely dry. Place a small drop of glue or mod-podge onto the egg. Attach your pressed flower(s) and press down firmly but gently.
• Step 4: Carefully place each egg into a nylon stocking and tie off the end. If you have tall nylons, a perfect use is to cut them down to multiple sections and tie off both ends. “Reduce and reuse,” as they say!
• Step 5: Allow the nylon-wrapped eggs to dry. The pressure from the nylon will keep the flowers in place. Remove the nylon with a quick snip of your scissors.
• Step 6: If using mod-podge you can also reinforce the flower after the first dry with a top layer, depending on how long you’d like your creations to last. The finished product: stunning eggs with a unique and organic look.

Painted Eggs

Sometimes the most simple ideas are the best. Watercolor paints are particularly perfect for giving your Easter eggs this year a more crafty and personal touch. Check the labels to ensure the paint is non-toxic.. For less mess, you can also get creative with non-toxic paint pens, that don’t require brushes at all. Whichever method you choose, the possibilities are limitless! The design of your eggs is 100 percent between you and the paint.

Silk “Tie Dyed” Eggs

Yes you read that right. Dye your eggs with incredibly unique and intricate patterns using silk ties. Like the kind your husband wears to church. You can get old ties for a steal at thrift and second-hand stores, (we’re talking 75 cents) or just get your sweetheart to finally clean out his closet. You’ll want to ensure that the ties you use are 100% silk…it just doesn’t work with other fabrics.

• Step 1: Cut out the back seam and lining of the tie so you’re left with a large piece of silk.
• Step 2: Now, use it to wrap the eggs–you should be able to get 3-4 pieces large enough for an egg from each tie.
  • Note: Unlike our other hacks, these eggs should NOT be pre-boiled. You’ll want to start with raw eggs. Just be cautious when you’re wrapping them in the fabric.
• Step 3: To wrap, use the right side of the silk, i.e. the part you’d see on the front if someone was wearing the tie, to face the egg. Wrap it tightly and completely cover the egg, then tie off with a twisty tie. Repeat until all the eggs are covered with a glorious array of patterned and colored fabrics!
• Step 4: Place all the wrapped eggs in a large pot of water. Add ½ cup of vinegar to the water and allow the eggs to boil 20 minutes.
• Step 5: Pull the eggs out and allow them to cool. Once cool enough to handle, unwrap the fabric and behold the incredible impressions left on your eggs! Voila—Easter festivities are ready to commence!

Speckled Eggs

This is a quick and easy way to make your humdrum dyed eggs a little bit more interesting.

• Step 1: Dye in the usual way and allow to dry, or leave white.
• Step 2: Add about a cup of dried beans to a paper cup and then put in 15-20 drops of food coloring. Should the food coloring dry out, add a few drops of white vinegar.
• Step 3: Cover top of the cup and shake the food dye and beans together.
• Step 4: At this point you can take the eggs and roll them around in the beans to add a speckled effect.
  • For extra fun roll in multiple colors, allowing each individual layer of food color to dry between rolls. The textured effect you end up with is very cute and cheery.