Okay, I am not the biggest fan of dyeing eggs. I've said it before --I am pretty much OVER this Easter ritualfor a number of reasons. And yet, even after declaring my over-ness of dyeing, I found myself dyeing eggs again after all. How did I overcome my fear and loathing? I'll tell you. Here are 9 tips for dyeing eggs if you happen to hate dyeing eggs.
1. Make it a science project. Last year instead of resisting, I gave in fully. So Zen of me! I dyed just a handful of eggs in a turmeric bath and in a cabbage bath. It was more engaging for my son and the results were gorgeous colors I actually wanted to look at. I used The Kitchn's natural egg dyeing method.
2. Limit yourself. Okay, so I went with the labor-intensive dyeing method. BUT! Notice I limited myself to just two colors. And I didn't dye a full dozen eggs. Do more with fewer. I think it's more interesting that way.
3. Prep everything before you get started. Get all your supplies and your eggs out and ready. This includes clean-up equipment! Have sponges, wipes, paper towels, and cleaner handy.
4. Go outside. If it's warm and dry enough, do the egg dyeing project outside. Less mess to worry about that way!
5. Confine your kids while you prep. If you're dyeing with younger children, plunk them into high chairs or the pack 'n' play while you get everything ready. Release the little beasts only when you're ready to get started.
6. Dress for a mess. Anticipate/resign yourself to spills and splashes. Dress your kids in clothes you don't mind getting messy. You can wash out food dyes, kind of, mostly. Oh yeah -- this goes for your clothing, too.
7. Make it about play, not results. Take a deep breath, take some Rescue Remedy, and just let your kids play with the eggs and dye the way they want to. You can teach them how to get the best results, depending on their age. But put the emphasis on making it a fun experience for them, not about getting perfectly dyed eggs for your Easter centerpiece.
8. End it as soon as boredom rears its ugly head. Kids' attention wandering but not finished with all the eggs? Whatever! Clean up and move on.
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9. Or ... don't dye at all! There are many, many other ways to decorate eggs without messing with dye. For example: Washi tape eggs, fabric scrap eggs, color brown eggs with a white pen, or use temporary tattoos. Personally, I think glitter eggs look cool but that's just a whole 'nother universe of mess and madness.
How do you feel about dyeing Eater eggs with your kids? How do you make it easier?