Painting Easter Eggs

As we all scurry around for our last minute Easter plans: dinner menus, egg-hunts, Easter dresses, I wanted to share an idea with you that could potentially fill a few things on your to-do list. Whether it is a gift, a kid activity or just your own decoration I will walk you through a simple way I like to paint eggs. I do not remember exactly where this idea came from other than I needed a virtually no-cost canvas to sell a lower priced option with my paintings at art shows.  

First, you will need to tap a small hole in both ends of an egg. I use a pointy steak knife, but a nail would work also. Just remember to be very gentle...this is not the “kid” part of this project. Cover the first hole with your finger as you create the second hole. Covering both holes shake the egg to break the yoke. Now place a bowl beneath the egg and blow. Actually, blow hard. This part always hurts my ears. I suggest you use the egg in an edible dish afterward, but if you are going to discard it anyway you may want to use one of those snot-sucking tools parents have for infants to remove the innards of the egg.

You will need:

• Blown egg (rinsed, cleaned and dried)
• Bowl for dying
• Food coloring
• Water
• Vinegar
• Acrylic paint
• Small paintbrush
• Spray paint sealant 

Mix food color, water, and a teaspoon to a tablespoon of vinegar in a shallow, clear bowl. The amount of dye and water are subject to the intensity of the color you want and of course, the more liquid the more vinegar you would need. Submerge a portion of the egg into the dye water. Hold the egg in place for about two minutes. Rest your finger on the edge of the bowl to stabilize your hand. If you need a break remove the egg and then dip it again. If you are using a glass bowl similar to the one I chose you should be able to realign the edges with little effort. Do not worry about getting the edge exact...you can paint over it.

Make sure you have a paper towel to blot the excess colored water upon removing the egg. You want to be careful that none of the color runs over the white part. 

Take a small paintbrush and paint a lining around the edge of the colored area.

This is where I leave you to create your own masterpiece. I like to paint little springtime scenes and additional ribbon-like details on my eggs. Google “Easter” and “Springtime” images on your computer for some ideas if you need some inspiration.

When you are finished spray a coat of paint sealant over the egg. You can find this spray in your local craft store in the painting section.