Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Fun with Eggs: Coffee Dyed and Labeled Eggs

The list of my obsessions continues to grow.
Now I am adding eggs and vintage labels to the list
Someone stop me!
I do not have time to obsess about anything else.
{I have to sleep sometime!}
But I have always wanted to blow out eggs and now I did..
and then I dyed them in coffee, and then I added vintage labels. 
Pretty!
Coffee Dyed Blown Eggs
{pretend that one egg is right side up}


I have always wanted to blow out an egg {...is there a better term?} and decorate the shells...but I was a chicken {Ha, Ha!}. I figured I would break them...it would be messy...too much work. Well, a few weeks ago for my tablescape I tried it...and boy oh boy I was so very wrong. This was easy-peasy {and I am even a messy crafter}. 

Part I...Blow Them Out
I am sure you can find more intricate details and instructions out there on the Internet...somewhere, but I am all about easy. Here are my steps...and since I am all about using what I got...I used a very clean nail {sterilized it} and blew my eggs out over a bowl...and made quiche for dinner.
Directions
-Poked a whole with a (clean) nail in each end of the egg.
-One side had a larger hole, the other a smaller
-Put a skewer in one end and sort of mashed up the yolk...then blow from the side with the smaller hole {over the sink or a bowl}.
-It was not hard to blow them at all...just make sure their are holes in each side and the holes are big enough - start small and make them bigger if necessary.
-I have also heard you can use those suctioners you get for little kiddos to suck their noses out. Or you can actually buy a egg blowing tool.
{see the holes on top...the bottom ones are slightly bigger}
Part II...To Dye For
I put two scoops of instant coffee in a large bowl and boiled about 4 cups of water. I made my coffee dye and then put my eggs in...since their is nothing in them, they float so you have to turn them...I tried putting a medium size bowl on top to weigh them down...it sort of worked. I kept mine in for a few hours.
{The plain coffee-dyed eggs}
Part III...Since I am Not a Chicken Anymore...Labeled Eggs
Well, I loved my pretty little caffeine infused beauties, but it was time for a makeover. Off to visit The Graphics Fairy for some tres {pretend there is an accent over the "e"} chic vintage labels. And the craft store because I just had to try Sparkle Mod Podge!
Supplies
-Blown and dyed {and dry!} eggs
-Mod Podge Matte Finish {or your preference}
-Mod Podge Sparkle
-Paint brush
-Scissors or Exacto knife
-Labels from The Graphics Fairy {or clip art, letter, etc.}
-I also used skewers and a round Styrofoam form to hold them while I was painting them and they were drying
-Patience {I always have to remind myself of this}
-Ribbons, buttons, bead - optional for adornment {I didn't do this...but I want to!}
Directions
-Cut out labels
-Apply a layer of Mod Podge all over the egg {This makes the eggs more durable too}
-Let dry slightly
-Apply Mod Podge to back of label
-Affix label to egg, while smoothing paper down onto egg
-Coat with a lyer of Mod Podge, let dry for 20 minutes or so.
{I applied another layer of Mod Podge, specifically over the label area - don't tell, I use my finger so I could really smooth out the paper...did I mention I am a messy crafter?}
-Let dry
-I wanted a little sparkle...but not too much...so I used Mod Podge Sparkle
{I am in L-O-V-E}...just a hint of glimmer and sparkle..perfection!

Now, hop on over and see how I used these eggs for my Spring Table Decor


Signature
This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre
Today's Creative Blog

66 comments:

  1. Totally freaking love this Holly.

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  2. Wow, that is seriously impressive! I LOVE how they turned out! I might have to give that a try. btw, I also love the graphics fairy! Thanks for sharing your creation!

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  3. Great job, I immediately wondered what you used to dye them...coffee, brilliant as always!

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  4. Nope-we will not stop you honey, we love it! John and I were just talking today about blowing out eggs. They are doing Easter in our development next weekend and then we will have Easter with daycare next month and at home so we gotta get ready. Just beautiful!

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  5. Tooooo CUTE!

    Where is my chicken? I have not got a chicken, and I am still waiting darling! ;)

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  6. Never blown an egg. And I'm so immature that I feel like chuckling right now. lol

    BUT...we did try that thing when you hard boil the egg, peel a bit off each end and then blow the egg out of it's shell. My daughter did it once but none of us could do it.

    PRETTY project as usual. I seriously don't think Ive ever met anyone who's as good at crafts as you are.

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  7. This is very impressive and sounds easy enough.
    I love the vintage look. The crack egg, bottom picture, looks like a chick just hatched. Very unique.

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  8. Man oh man, those are cute! I've seen blown eggs before, but not done in such a darling way!

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  9. Hi Holly,
    These are the cutest eggs ever!!! My Grandmother taught me how to do blown eggs when I was a little girl, I haven't done it for years though. Thanks for reminding me how fun it can be! I love that sparkle Mod Podge too, so pretty! You should email a link to this project to Amy at Mod Podge Rocks, she would probably love to feature this on her blog.
    Thanks so much for linking another awesome project up for "Brag Monday".
    Hugs,
    Karen

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  10. Great eggs, Holly!

    I really like the broken one too, it feels natural, like a little chick has just been born! Your child has style! :)

    Hugs,
    Bird

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  11. love love love it. i have never tried to blow an egg before mostly because i didn't know how but thanks to you this year it's totally going to happen thanks

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  12. They turned out so cute!! I love the coffee dye idea :)
    I am going to have to go get some sparkly modge podge now :)

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  13. Wow, I am so afraid I would really mess this up. I may have to try it though. Thanks for the tute! Have a great day! http://lafeshiddentreasures.blogspot.com/

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  14. i blew eggs when i was little, and i remember having a few disasters along the way. :)

    would they need to be dyed if they are already brown? my parents raise chickens and have many brown eggs.

    and, by the way, i re-vamped my blog a little bit, so now i DO have a follow button. (thanks for pointing that out!)

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  15. Thanks again for pulling my name!

    I have always been "chicken" too- maybe I will give it a go this Easter, it actually looks fairly easy the way you explained it.

    Gorgeous craft, as always!

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  16. I love those eggs! So cute!

    If you're into egg projects, I have a link I need to send you. It's a project I've been dying to try. Yes, I know, I'll only be feeding your addiction, but I have a hunch you'll really like it. I'll shoot you an email some time this afternoon.

    Congrats to Tats!

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  17. Very cute,,,too fun with the labels! Thanks for sharing!

    Shell

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  18. Love them!! I have always been afraid to "blow them out" too but now I will have to give it a try!!

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  19. Holly,
    These French vintage eggs turned out great! I’m going to try the coffee dye idea. I’m also going to use brown eggs. Thanks for the inspiration and this wonderful project.
    Cathy

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  20. Holy... I never knew eggs could be so *pretty*!

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  21. I have never blown an egg...but I'm glad to know it is easy to do. I didn't know Mod Podge came with sparkles (since I just bought my first jar of Mod Podge regular). I love the way these turned out.

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  22. This is neat! I wish I had the patience. I don't think I like the idea of blowing an egg. =(

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  23. holly, shut the door! i adore these...and ya know the part i adore the MOST? the COLOR. girl, when you said it was coffee...i'm all over it. thanks for tutorial.

    yay!

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  24. That does sound like fun. I will have to give it a try. Thanks for becoming a follower..

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  25. Those are AWESOME! I'm definitely trying this.

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  26. Presh!!! Holly, I always love visiting your blog, but I always leave with one more thing to add to my "I've got to try list." ;0)

    These eggs are too cute!

    Holly

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  27. Hi Holly! LONG TIME NO VISIT!

    I was missing you... life has been so busy! I have always wanted to blow out an egg, but was worried I would break them... like a 2 year old.

    I think I am going to try this now! :) thanks!

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  28. How cute! I have to get me some modge podge, some of you gals are having so much fun with it!

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  29. Those look beautiful. I have to try this, if I am not to chicken...lol!

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  30. Anonymous8:26 PM

    Your obsession works for me. Love what you're doing! :0)

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  31. Those eggs are adorable. It never occured to me to coffee stain eggs. I don't know why, I do it to everything else!

    Janet

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  32. Holly,
    So cute. I know what you mean about being scared to clear out an egg. It's so great and there are so many things that one could do with this... and they wouldn't rot!

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  33. I love your eggs.

    Being European and all we learned how to blow out and decorate Easter eggs very early in elementary school.

    I used to love decorating them with hot wax and then staining them different colors.I should get back to it and teach my kids.

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  34. what a great idea...i have a dozen blown eggs sitting around waiting for a project. this looks like fun!

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  35. So very cool! Hmmmm....am I brave enough to try that? They really came out cool.

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  36. Those vintage labels are rockin' those eggs! Darling!!!

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  37. Holly, you are so awesome! I'm in speechless amazement!!

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  38. wow, this is an awesome diy, holly! i haven't decorated easter eggs in ages and this tutorial is making me want to run out and grab a carton of eggs! lol love what u did with the vintage labels!

    TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

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  39. haha I loved "is there a better term?". Very cute!!! With my Sister's wedding the weekend after April I don't think I'll have time for eggs this year but yours look beautiful!

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  40. Love those....and sleep is highly overrated.

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  41. Thay are so pretty! I blew out of a bunch of eggs a while ago (I finally purchased an egg blower), but recently my 1 1/2 and 3 year olds found what a great smash they made when they hit the ground and it was all over for 4 of them. Need to make more...

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  42. I love decorating eggs! My brother is a chicken farmer and this year, his family has chickens that lay green eggs, no dye required (but where's the fun in that?!)

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  43. Graphics Fairy is awesome, vintage labels are awesome, coffee is awesome, sparkle mod podge is awesome. What more can be said? Once again, outstanding!

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  44. You are indeed crafty and brave. I've never tried blowing out an egg and I would never try with a two year old. Hahaha.

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  45. Whoa!! Love these!! Saw something like it done with onions, but we don't really eat onions here, but we DO have coffee!! Love that sparkle MP too, must get some, asap!

    Also, thanks for your sweet comments about my wreath!! I couldn't believe how well it turned out, I think it was mostly luck :)

    Have a great week!

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  46. There are so many things in the post that have inspired me! The egg blowing, the coffee stain and the lovely sparkle Mod Podge! Thanks for linking this post to Be Inspired today!

    Chelsea

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  47. Those are probably the coolest Easter eggs I've ever seen! Come stop by my Favorite Things Friday Party if you would like to join in!

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  48. This is totally adorable! I have never blown an egg but it actually sounds fun!

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  49. Holly, these are amazing! And your new blog layout it pretty amazing too! Thank you for linking up to It's a Hodgepodge Friday! I love seeing what you have been up to. I hope to see you again.
    ~Gay~
    itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com

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  50. Too cute! I am totally new to this whole blog thing, but I love it, and I love yours! I cannot wait to make these!

    www.ladiessewingcircle.com

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  51. Wow, those are gorgeous eggs! They're year round eggs too, not too Easter-y looking. I just love the color and the blue labels you put on them. I've never blown an egg out but your description of blowing out eggs then having quiche for dinner made me chuckle!

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  52. This is a cute idea. I was thinking about blowing out eggs recently, but wasn't sure what I'd do with them. This is inspiration. I often buy the brown ones anyway.

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  53. I haven't blown out eggs since I was a kid!! I love that. What a fun idea. They turned out fab! I love the brown with the blue. Thanks for sharing at Spring has Sprung at Fun to Craft. Feel free to stop by the party again!

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  54. i'm so in the mood to decorate! hubby is gone hunting and big kids return from grandparents spring break...i think i'll get my coffee brewing and start this project to surprise them all when they return tomorrow! thanks holly

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  55. I love the color of them. The coffee dye was a great idea!

    Thanks for linking up to Make it Yours Day at My Backyard Eden!

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  56. Look at you...all totally crafty and all! Great project! Good egg blowing!

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  57. What perfect spring time decorations! Love it! Thanks for joining in the party!

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  58. Hello Holly! I will be featuring these awesome eggs in the party wrap-up. Thank you for sharing!
    ~Gay~
    itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com

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  59. Ok- these are INCREDIBLE!!! Love them!!!

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  60. These turned out so cute!!! Thanks for linking up this week!

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  61. I love natural colors on eggs. These came out great!!

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  62. These are awesome! I am going to try them this weekend. I love your site. New follower!

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  63. Those eggs are just the coolest! Love them!

    Thanks so much for linking up to my party!


    XOOX
    Jen

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  64. Great job, I immediately wondered what you used to dye them...coffee, brilliant as always!
    home jobs without registration

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  65. I love, love, love dying stuff with coffee - I haven't dyed eggs yet - one more thing to try!! ;)

    These are way cool.

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Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation! I sure hope you come back for more!