With Easter just around the corner, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Well, Easter eggs of course! If you are looking for table decoration ideas or are searching for crafts to keep your children entertained, then this article is perfect for you. Dyeing Easter eggs is such a fun thing to do and a great way to get in the spirit. Here is an easy DIY guide just for you.

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

I am aware that eggs in South Africa are generally brown in colour. However in this case we recommend that you buy white eggs to make the dyeing process more effective. First, you need to clean the eggs.Sometimes, they are packed with feathers or mud around them so give them a good wash, but be gentle. Add the eggs to a pot and completely cover with cold water. Once the water starts to boil, set the timer for two minutes. Now take them off the heat and leave them to rest for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes. Tip! Keep the hot water you used to boil the eggs aside for the dye.

Step 2: Prepare your Dye

Decide on the various colours you would like to use; dye or food colouring can be used. Here are some recommendations: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. If you can’t find a particular colour, you can mix colours together to create new ones. To make green, you can mix yellow and blue. To make purple, mix blue and red, and so on.

Once you have decided on your colours, put the water you used to boil your eggs back on the heat. Grab a few glasses or bowls and assign them to a specific colour. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to each bowl or glass and then add the hot water you just boiled. Now add the dye.If you want a potent colour, add between eight to ten drops. If you plan on mixing colours, only use five drops of dye.

Step 3: Dye or Die Trying

Using a tablespoon, gently place the egg in the dye. The darker you want the colour, the longer you will need to leave the egg in the dye. Remove from the cup and leave it to dry on a cooling rack. Be sure to put some wax paper beneath the cooling tray to catch any dripping dye.

Step 4: Let your Creative Juices Flow

If you though the previous steps were fun, you ain't seen nothing yet! Now it's time to decorate your eggs. Feel free to be as creative as possible. Here are some ideas:

• Paint the eggs after they have been dyed. You can paint letters or words, circles, lines or even a Picasso-inspired splat of paint to replicated the delicious speckled egg.
• Alternatively, you can create these designs with the dye itself. For example, if you want to create lines along the egg, wrap elastic bands around the egg before placing it in the dye. Once dry, remove the elastic bands and you will have some funky lines across your egg.
• For thicker lines or designs around your egg, use washi tape and apply before the dyeing process.
• Stickers are also a great addition; you can add them after dyeing, before dyeing - that’s up to you.
• To create a tye-dye design, use a tinfoil tray and spray it with a good layer of shaving cream. Now add your dye in the colour of your choice. Roll the eggs on the shaving cream until you are happy with the design.
• If you want a galaxy type effect, add oil to the dye, water and vinegar combination.

The options are endless, have fun and let your creativity flow.