There are dozens of creative egg decorating techniques to try, but first, here are a few basic tips:

• To make perfect boiled eggs, cover eggs with
water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn off
heat, cover the pot, and let sit for 30 minutes.

• To blow an egg, first shake the egg to break
the yolk. Then use a small nail to make a hole in
the top and bottom of the egg. Blow gently until
the egg is empty.

• For extra-rich dye colors, use food coloring
paste (available at craft and cake decorating stores).
Dissolve a dab of paste in a cup of hot water mixed
with 1/4 cup cider vinegar.

• Use pasta tongs for dipping eggs.

• Wear rubber gloves

• For a quick egg-drying stand, use a paper towel
tube cut into sections.

Now for the fun part--decorating! A few of my favorite dyeing projects are the Rubber Band Wrap, Sticker Stencils, and Dripped-On Designs. Or, for two fun no-dye techniques, try these Sponge-Print Eggs and this Painted Chick.