Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article

Not Your Typical Dye Job: 5 Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at JCU chapter.

As a little kid, decorating Easter eggs was always a big deal. It never felt like the festive spring holiday that it is without eggs dyed some interesting colors, like neon pink and mint green. Of course, dying eggs using the kits from the store is not only time consuming, but incredibly messy. It’s inevitable that you’ll ruin a favorite piece of clothing with the dye every year. So why not change-up tradition this year? Here are five great ideas that take Easter egg decorating to a whole different (and creative) level. Bonus: These ideas are less messy than dye and easier on a college budget.

1. Egg Tattoos

Courtesy of: Brit & Co.

Have you ever gotten a temporary tattoo and never bothered to put it on? How about that pack of Disney tattoos you got for the kids you babysit, but forgot to give them? Instead of throwing them away, try this! Using the same method of applying the tattoo to your skin, put it on the plain shell of the egg. This way, the eggs have a design, but it was almost entirely mess free. As a bonus, you not only save money but look like an artistic genius as well! No one has to know that you didn’t draw that intricate design, and we promise we won’t tell. You can find out more about this idea here.

2. Glitter Polka-Dot Eggs

Courtesy of: The Chicken Chick

You’ve been staring for months at that half-used jar of glitter left over from a crafting binge gone wrong. You don’t want to throw it away, but you have no idea what to do with it. Here’s your answer: decorate your Easter eggs with it! This idea is simple, and uses craft items you most likely already have. You can use either glue or clear adhesive dots, simply apply to the egg and press into a plate of glitter. Once the glue is dry (or in the case of adhesive dots, once you’ve finished coating each dot in glitter), use a toothbrush to get rid of any excess glitter on the egg. The result is pretty, preppy, and sparkly! You can find the full tutorial here.

3. Black and White Eggs

Courtesy of: Obviously Sweet

Love the black and white trend? The classic fashion look can easily be transferred over to Easter eggs – simply use a black permanent marker and have fun! This idea is mess free, plus it allows you to creat funky geometric patterns and other designs that you may not otherwise be able to do. Even better, this idea is slightly more masculine, so you may even be able to get your guy to participate in the egg decorating! You could even try doing a monogram or writing your name on the eggs inside of a fancy design. Go here for more information on this idea.

4. Washi Tape Eggs

Courtesy of: Lovely Indeed

Washi tape is not only adorable, as it comes in a multitude of colors and patterns, but it’s also easy to find and easy on your wallet. It’s also a dorm room decorating staple, as it adds color and pattern without leaving the nasty residue that duct tape has. Naturally, there are seemingly endless artistic possibilities for washi tape. Here’s an idea you may not have thought about: using it to decorate Easter eggs! The tape can be cut into different shapes, and then you can apply the tape directly to the egg. You can leave the tape in strips and create fantastically preppy stripes, or you can go a bit bolder and put pieces of tape in a funky geometric pattern all over the egg. Go here for some fantastic examples!

5. Scrapbook Sticker Eggs

Courtesy of: Better Homes and Gardens

While your scrapbook may be complete, you still have supplies left over. Instead of scrambling to get another scrapbook to start on, try using the remaining 3D stickers you have to decorate your Easter Eggs. Floral stickers will create a spring-like atmosphere wherever the eggs are displayed, but fun stickers of different places or activities would add a personal touch to your decorating. This idea is also fantastic for those that are artistically challenged: you simply have to peel off the backing and put the sticker on the egg. It’s a great option if you have a busy schedule yet still want to get in on the childhood tradition of decorating Easter eggs. Check out more on this idea here.

Allison Gall is a senior English major at John Carroll University. She is also a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. While not doing school work, Allison is involved in several other activities, including working with her church and taking Taekwondo. Allison also loves to read and write, sing, play violin, swim, and run. She is also interested in fashion, and she is known among her friends as the go-to person for hair and makeup help.