9 Ways to Create 'Egg'ceptional Easter Eggs

[Enlarge Photo]

Easter egg coloring is one of the well-known traditions associated with the holiday. Coloring eggs can be fun for children and adults alike.

As with many Christian holidays, some of the traditions associated with Easter are rooted in prior Pagan rituals or are influenced by European settlers to North America. Easter is a spring holiday, and spring is synonymous with fertility and new life. Eggs are thus linked to the festivities because of their connection to fertility. What's more, according to History.com, German settlers in America are said to have brought over the tradition of a bunny named "Oschter Haws" who would visit houses on Easter eve, leaving colored eggs for children. Easter eggs were painted different colors to represent the sunlight of spring. Christians later used eggs to symbolize the rebirth of Christ.

For those who will be incorporating the magic of colored eggs in their festivities this year, there are several ways to adorn the eggs that go above and beyond the traditional coloring kits. Here are a few ideas to consider.

1. The well-known Paas coloring kit still remains a classic favorite, replete with dipping spoons and colored packets. Many companies have put their own spins on the coloring kit to include a brighter array of colors and even stickers and other embellishments.

2. There are shrink-wrap kits that feature plastic rings that shrink into place when the eggs are boiled. The rings are imprinted with an Easter design.

3. You can make your own egg dye with the following recipe: Combine 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of food coloring with 2 teaspoons white vinegar in a cup that can accommodate an egg. Add water to about the half-way point. Dip in the eggs with a spoon to color.

4. Tie-dye eggs can be created by wrapping rubber bands around eggs before dipping them into the dye. Remove the rubber bands after the dye has dried and see the designs that have resulted.

5. A similar technique can be achieved by using wax crayons and dye. Color designs onto the egg with the crayons, such as dots, lines or squiggles. When the eggs are dipped in the dye, the crayon will repel the dye and leave the designs in place. Those who don't want to use dye with very young children can simply color in the eggs with the crayons.

6. 'Egg'stra special designs can be made by using craft supplies to adorn the eggs. Make cute egg people or animals to display. How about an Easter bunny complete with cotton ball tail? Scour the craft store for stick-on jiggle eyes, fuzzy noses and more.

7. You can use regular acrylic paint to brush or sponge on designs. For safety's sake, don't eat any eggs that use a dye other than a natural food coloring .

8. Food and beverages can be used to create natural dyes. Boil eggs with beets, spinach, tea, blueberries and more to create the colors desired.

9. Use your imagination and rely on just about anything to make eggs dazzling. Glitter, markers, paints, stickers and so much more can help you to create one-of-a-kind eggs.

Hard-boil know-how

Of course eggs need to be hard-boiled before decorating. Place your eggs in a pot filled with cold water, covering the eggs. On medium-high heat, bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the eggs for approximately 10 minutes. Place the boiled eggs in cold water to cool before coloring.