The library is currently open Monday through Friday from 10:00am-5:30pm and Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm. The Children's Room and Archives are open by appointment. Please call for details: 207-582-3312.

Easter Eggs

Although we didn’t dye “Easter eggs” as a family when I was growing up, I have always been fascinated by the creative results that are often produced.  These results happen sometimes on purpose, sometimes accidentally.  Yankee magazine published an article in 2012 that is now featured on their New England Today web page telling how to dye eggs using natural, home ingredients.  Give it a try.

The article was written by Christine Chitnis.

DayGlo-dyed eggs have their retro charms, but we think it’s even more fun to make your own colorings using common foods. The result is a subtler, more sophisticated palette–perfect for your holiday centerpiece. The only downside? You’ll need to soak the eggs longer in homemade egg dye–two to three hours–but natural beauty like this is well worth the wait.

Natural Dyed Eggs for Easter

Photo by Ira Garber

How to Make Homemade Egg Dye:

Create the base: Combine 4 cups water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon salt.

Ingredients to Make Homemade Egg Dye:

— hard-boiled white eggs in their shells
— water
— white vinegar
— salt
— beets, ground coffee, red cabbage, ground turmeric
— knife, pots, strainer, bowls (metal, ceramic, or plastic)

Notes: Save the egg carton (you’ll use it for drying the dyed eggs). And when you transfer your dyes into bowls, don’t use your good dishes or kitchenware, as the colors may stain.

To dye the eggs: Soak in the homemade egg dye until eggshells reach the desired shade (two to three hours); the longer you soak them, the deeper and richer the color will be. Using a spoon, set the eggs into their carton(s), and let them dry thoroughly. When you’re done, you’ll welcome the new season with a lovely, all-natural addition to your spring decor!

RED DYE:

Roughly chop 2 beets, and combine with the base. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Strain into a bowl and reserve the liquid for dyeing. Let cool.

BROWN DYE:

Combine 4 tablespoons of ground coffee with the base and stir well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Strain into a bowl and reserve the liquid for dyeing. Let cool.

BLUE DYE:

Shred half of a large red cabbage and combine with the base.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.  Strain into a bowl and reserve the liquid for dyeing.  Let cool.

YELLOW DYE:

Combine 5 tablespoons of ground turmeric with the base and stir well.  Simmer just until the turmeric dissolves, 2 to 3 minutes.  Pour into a bowl and reserve liquid for dyeing.  Let cool.