How to Make Dyed Wooden Easter Eggs

Spring has indeed, sprung! Celebrate Easter—and the end of a long winter—with easy, exuberant ideas that are sure to delight.

By

Martha Stewart Editors

Updated on March 22, 2023

painted wooden eggs — Photo: JOHNNY MILLER

Don't be shell-shocked—these eggs are actually made of wood, and the pattern is its natural grain. Even more striking is the modern palette: warm, vibrant, and truly unexpected for Easter. Display them on a tray, wrap a few in twine, and slip in a fresh bud (they work nicely as individual place settings, too). Or suspend them from expansive flowering branches.

For more ideas, scroll through our entire collection of Easter egg decorating projects.

What You'll Need

Materials

Liquid fabric dye in various colors (Pictured: Rit Dye liquid fabric dye in Petal Pink, Tangerine, Taupe, Golden Yellow, Denim Blue, and Purple)
Wooden eggs, in various sizes
Spoon
Bowl
Pushpin, thin waxed twine, and clear glue (optional)

Instructions

Dissolve liquid dye in 1 cup boiling water. To get our coral color, use 1 teaspoon Petal Pink, teaspoon Tangerine, and 1/4 teaspoon Taupe. To get our yellow, use teaspoon Golden Yellow and 1/4 teaspoon Taupe. To get our blue, use 1 teaspoon Denim Blue and 1/4 teaspoon Purple. To get our pink, use 1 teaspoon Petal Pink and teaspoon Taupe. To get our lilac, use 1/4 teaspoon Purple.
Add eggs to dye, moving constantly with a spoon so dye is absorbed evenly, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and let dry.
Optional: To make hanging ornaments, use pushpin to poke holes in tops of eggs. Cut twine to desired length, fold in half, and pinch tight. Dip folded tip in glue, and press into pinhole. Let dry, then knot ends of twine together.

Originally appeared: MARTHA STEWART