- Using Easter egg dye kits from the store is probably the most common approach, but creating partly or fully homemade dyes for eggs can be enjoyable and provide new color choices. Dyes can be made from food coloring by mixing a cup of hot water, 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar and food coloring. Add more drops of food coloring to make darker colors. Homemade dyes can also be made by using the same mix with items like grape juice, coffee, cranberries, raspberries or blueberries.
- Create Easter eggs that resemble tie-dyed fabrics. Dampen a paper towel with water and vinegar; add drops of food coloring, using different colors at different points. It's OK if the colors bleed together. Wrap the towel around an egg and let it sit. Wrap in plastic avoid staining anything but the egg. The longer the towel is in contact with the egg, the darker the colors will be.
- For a different dyeing method, reduce the amount of water and vinegar mixed with the dye to get a thicker mix. Then, look for applicators. Virtually any porous material with some texture will work. Paint brushes are an obvious choice, but sponges, tooth brushes or pieces of foam rubber can be used.
- Easter egg dyes work well for dyeing yarn. Dying yarn can save money, too, as Easter egg dyes can often be found on clearance after the holiday. Wool yarns work better than cotton. While white might be an obvious choice, using a different light color creates a richer effect with more layers of color. Wet the yarn before dying. Squeeze it to dry.