Botanical Eggs

Marcie McGoldrick decorates Easter eggs using a masking with botanicals technique.

Botanical Eggs

Eggs adorned with the delicate shapes of greenery and herbs announce the arrival of spring. Blown-out eggs work best for this project, but hard-boiled eggs can also be used.

Tools and Materials
Eggs
Egg blower
Small paintbrush
Leaves or herb sprigs
Tweezers
Nylon stocking
String
Liquid food coloring
White vinegar
Bowls
Spoon
Paper towels

Botanical Eggs How-To
To blow out the contents of an eggshell, make a pinhole in each end of a raw egg -- be sure the pin breaks the yolk -- then gently expel the contents with an egg blower or by blowing on one end with your mouth. Rinse well with water, and let dry.

1. With a tiny paintbrush, apply egg white to the back of a leaf or sprig; use tweezers to center it on the egg, and press down gently with your fingers.

2. Cut a nylon stocking into 5-inch tubes. Stretch open one side of a tube, carefully wrapping it over the leaf to hold it in place, then pull remainder around the egg (to the side opposite the leaf). Tie with string.

3. For dye, mix 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 1 teaspoon liquid food coloring, depending on the desired color. Holding the string, dunk the egg into the dye; press down with a spoon to immerse it completely. Let the egg sit for 5 minutes, periodically turning and spooning dye over it.

4. Remove egg from dye, and blot dry with paper towels. Snip the string, and untie nylon to check the color. If the egg isn't dark enough, re-tie nylon, and return to dye. When desired color is reached, remove nylon and carefully peel away the leaf. Blot with paper towels, blow out excess water with egg blower, and place egg leaf side up on paper towels to dry completely.

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Botanical Eggs

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