Transform plain hard-boiled eggs into vibrant, tie-dye masterpieces using paper towels and food colouring.
This simple, engaging method is perfect for toddlers, offering a mess-free way to explore colours and patterns.
Materials Needed
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Paper towels
- Liquid food colouring
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Rubber bands or twist ties
- Protective gloves (optional)
- Cardboard egg carton (for drying)
Step 1: Prepare the Workspace
- Cover your work area with a protective layer to catch any spills.
- If desired, wear protective gloves to prevent staining your hands.
Step 2: Wrap the Eggs
- Tear paper towels into small rectangles.
- Place a cooled, hard-boiled egg in the centre of a paper towel piece.
- Wrap the paper towel around the egg, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Twist the top of the paper towel tightly and secure it with a rubber band or twist tie.
Step 3: Apply Food Colouring
- Gently squeeze drops of food colouring directly onto the wrapped egg, leaving some white space between each drop.
- Use multiple colours for a tie-dye effect.
Step 4: Moisten the Paper Towel
- Using a spray bottle, lightly mist the paper towel-wrapped egg with water.
- Spray just enough to dampen the paper towel and allow the colours to spread and blend.
Step 5: Set the Colours
- Gently squeeze the wrapped egg over a sink to remove any excess moisture.
- Place the wrapped eggs in a cardboard egg carton to dry.
- For quicker drying, point a table fan at the eggs; they should be completely dry in about 3 to 4 hours.
Step 6: Unwrap and Display
- Once the eggs are thoroughly dry, carefully remove the rubber bands and unwrap the paper towels.
- Admire the unique tie-dye patterns on each egg.
Additional Tips
- Colour Vibrancy: The less water you use, the brighter the colours on the egg will be.
- Natural Dyes: For an eco-friendly alternative, experiment with natural dyes like beet juice or turmeric.
- Safety: Always supervise young children during this activity to ensure safety and prevent ingestion of materials.
