Unlock the Art of Naturally Dyed Eggs: Stunning Botanical Patterns for a Eco-Friendly Easter

Apr 20, 2025
A row of blue naturally dyed hen

We love to share ways to make your lifestyle as thoughtful and natural as your skincare ritual - because beauty begins with how you live.

Introduction

There's something truly magical about the enchanting world of naturally dyed eggs, adorned with botanical patterns, where flowers, leaves, and even vegetables can transform ordinary eggs into stunning, eco-friendly masterpieces. Vibrant hues of marigolds, delicate prints left by ferns, and the rustic charm of not knowing quite what you're going to get, all come together to create a unique palette prefect for Easter and any. time of year! This easy activity is a great way to use eco-friendly sustainable materials to celebrate the arrival of Spring.

Handcrafted dyed eggs using natural plant dyes and leaf prints, wrapped in cloth and displayed with onion skins, herbs, and spring florals.
Naturally. dyed eggs in a wooden bowl

Why Choose Naturally Dyed Eggs?

Eco-friendly easter adornments

Unlike synthetic dyes, natural dyes come straight from plants, fruits, and vegetables — things you probably already have at home. They’re biodegradable, gentle on the planet, and create a soft, earthy palette that looks like spring itself.

“Making with your hands is a radical act. Choosing natural materials is choosing to slow down, honour tradition, and reconnect with the planet.”

Katrina Rodabaugh – artist, mender, and author of Mending Matters

What You’ll Need

To make your own naturally dyed eggs with floral patterns, you'll need the following:


Ingredients for Natural Dyes:


  • Beetroot – rich pinks and purples

  • Turmeric – bright, golden yellow

  • Red onion skins – deep burgundy to copper

  • Spinach or nettles – soft greens

  • Blueberries – dusty blues and greys

  • Purple cabbage – blue to lavender (depending on pH)


Tools:


  • White eggs (the paler the shell, the brighter the result)

  • Small edible leaves or pressed flowers (like parsley, fern, pansy, or violets)

  • Old tights or muslin

  • String or hair bands

  • Saucepan and water

  • White vinegar

Slow Rituals for Skin and Soul

Spring daffodils in sunlight
Navy dyed eggs in a wire bowl

How to Create Naturally Dyed Eggs with Botanical Prints

Planet positive jewels of nature


1. Prep the Eggs

Gently wash and dry your eggs. If you’re using raw eggs, they’ll be boiled during the dyeing process. Alternatively, blow them out if you'd like to keep them for longer.


2. Choose Your Botanicals

Place small leaves or flowers directly on the surface of each egg. Press them flat so they sit flush against the shell — this is what creates the beautiful silhouette.


3. Wrap and Secure

Carefully wrap the egg in a piece of muslin or a section of tights, pulling it snugly to hold the botanical in place. Tie it off securely with string or a twist tie.


4. Make Your Dye Baths

In separate saucepans, simmer each natural ingredient in water (about 2 cups water to 1 cup chopped plant material) for 20–30 minutes. Add 1–2 tablespoons of white vinegar to help the colour set.


5. Dye the Eggs

Place your wrapped eggs into the warm dye baths and let them soak. The longer they sit, the deeper the colour — anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. For more vibrant tones, let them sit overnight in the fridge.


6. Unwrap and Reveal!

Once dyed to your liking, gently remove the eggs from the bath and pat dry. Unwrap the cloth to reveal the botanical prints underneath. Allow them to dry completely, then rub with a tiny bit of oil for a soft, natural sheen.

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Design Tips for Gorgeous Dyed Eggs

  • Choose bold, detailed botanicals – Use small leaves and flowers with strong shapes (like ferns, parsley, or pansies) to create crisp, defined prints on your dyed eggs.Try layering dye colours for a marbled or ombré effect.

  • Press botanicals flat against the egg – Make sure the plant material is flush with the eggshell before wrapping. This ensures the dye doesn’t bleed underneath, giving your dyed eggs a clean, sharp pattern.

  • Wrap eggs tightly with muslin or old tights – Secure the plant in place with a snug wrap. This pressure helps transfer the botanical shape clearly onto your dyed eggs during soaking.

  • Dye with a contrasting colour – For the best visual effect, pair pale botanicals with deeper dyes (like turmeric yellow or blueberry blue) so the natural pattern really pops on your dyed eggs.

Beetroot and onion skin dyed eggs on a plate with the ingredients scattered around
Naturally dyed eggs sitting on a bed of hay

A Sustainable, Beautiful Easter

Bringing a little Magic to it all!

Creating naturally dyed eggs is a gentle, mindful Easter activity that brings a little enchantment to your spring rituals. It’s perfect for kids, families, or solo crafters looking to slow down and reconnect with the natural world.

Why not gather some wildflowers on your next walk and turn them into something truly beautiful?

How To Get The Most Vibrant Colours For Your Dyed Eggs

Use white eggs for the best dye results – White shells absorb natural dyes more effectively, giving your dyed eggs brighter, more vibrant colours.

Simmer natural ingredients longer – The longer you boil your beetroot, turmeric, onion skins or blueberries, the more concentrated your dye bath becomes, enhancing the intensity of your dyed eggs.

Add vinegar to your dye bath – A tablespoon or two of white vinegar helps the natural pigments bind to the eggshell, making your dyed eggs richer in colour and longer-lasting.

Let the eggs soak overnight – For the boldest results, leave your eggs in the cooled dye bath in the fridge overnight. The longer they soak, the deeper and more saturated the colours.

How Best to Store Your Dyed Eggs

To keep your dyed eggs looking beautiful and lasting longer, proper storage is key — especially when using natural dyes and botanical patterns. Whether you’re displaying them as seasonal decor or preserving them for future celebrations, storing dyed eggs with care helps maintain their colour and prevent spoilage.


  • Hard-boiled dyed eggs : Store in the fridge and use within 1 week. Keep them dry and in an egg carton to protect the patterns.

  • Blown or hollowed dyed eggs : Let them dry completely, then store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Wrap in tissue and place in a box for safe keeping.

  • Display tip : Avoid placing dyed eggs near heat sources or in humid areas, which can damage both the shell and the dye.

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Summary: Make your own dyed eggs in a nutshell

Prepare natural dyes for your dyed eggs using ingredients like beetroot, turmeric, red onion skins, spinach, or blueberries. Simmer with water and vinegar to create rich, plant-based colour baths.

Press small flowers or leaves onto each egg , then wrap tightly in muslin or old tights to hold the botanical in place before dyeing.

Submerge the wrapped eggs in your natural dye baths and let them soak for 30 minutes to several hours, depending on your desired colour intensity.

Unwrap to reveal your botanical dyed eggs , featuring delicate floral patterns and soft, earthy hues — perfect for a sustainable Easter celebration.

Creating naturally dyed eggs is more than just a beautiful Easter tradition: it’s a gentle, sustainable way to celebrate the season using the colours and textures of the natural world. Whether you’re crafting with kids, decorating your Easter table, or simply embracing a slower, more mindful ritual, botanical egg dyeing is a joy for all ages.


With a few kitchen scraps, foraged florals, and a little creativity, you can transform ordinary eggs into stunning, nature-inspired works of art.


So gather your petals, boil up some colour, and let spring’s beauty leave its mark - one egg at a time!

The author : Arabella Harvey, Founder, Raven Botanicals

Arabella is the co-founder and creative energy behind Raven Botanicals. With a background in visual arts, Arabella works alongside sister Charlotte to blend botanical science with aesthetic integrity. Her passion for sustainability informs Raven Botanicals’ commitment to ethical, small-batch skincare that nourishes both skin and soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best natural ingredients to use for dyed eggs?

Some of the most vibrant natural dyes come from everyday ingredients like beetroot (pink/purple), turmeric (yellow), red onion skins (rusty orange), spinach (green), blueberries (blue), and purple cabbage (blue/lavender). The colour can vary based on the egg shell and how long you let them soak.

2. How long do naturally dyed eggs last?

If you’ve hard-boiled your eggs, they’ll last about one week in the fridge. If you’ve blown out the eggshells before dyeing, they can last for years as decorative keepsakes — just store them in a cool, dry place.

3. How do I make flower or leaf prints on dyed eggs?

To create botanical patterns, press small flowers or leaves onto the egg, wrap it tightly in muslin or old tights to hold them in place, then submerge in the natural dye bath. When unwrapped, the shape of the plant will be preserved as a beautiful silhouette against the dyed background.To create botanical patterns, press small flowers or leaves onto the egg, wrap it tightly in muslin or old tights to hold them in place, then submerge in the natural dye bath. When unwrapped, the shape of the plant will be preserved as a beautiful silhouette against the dyed background.

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