We are going to create unique easter eggs by using hot glue and standard easter egg dye.
Hot glue is a tool that is not typically considered appropriate for older preschoolers and elementary students. I was inspired by Teacher Tom and Deborah at Teach Preschool. They have both used glue guns in their preschool classrooms along with supervision. If you decide to try this it is imperative to discuss how to use glue guns safely and to provide supervision. This activity isn’t for everyone. If you’re not comfortable with hot glue, it’s okay…please click away.
This is a fun and truly unique way to decorate eggs with your child! Color and designs are created by layering hot glue and dye. It’s awesome!
First:
Discuss glue gun safety with your child and provide supervision. Supervision is a must!!
You need:
- cool temp glue gun and glue
- white boiled eggs
- egg dye – we used the cheapest dye on the shelf
- water and vinegar
- egg carton
Here we go!
Boil the eggs. Our eggs were boiled the day before and put in the fridge. They were cool, but not cold. If they are cold they will sweat and the glue will not stick. We had a bit of problem with our glue not sticking to the eggs.
Squirt the hot glue onto the egg. We used an egg carton to hold them:
Wide fat glue lines work well. Let the glue dry thoroughly:
Use a variety of squiggles and wiggles! These eggs are creative and abstract. Have fun with them!
Drop them gently into the dye. We let them set about 10 minutes so that there would be a significant contrast in color. There is an egg right here…
We applied glue, dyed the egg, peeled off the glue, added glue and dyed it again to layer and mix the colors. The egg carton makes a great drying rack. Let them dry thoroughly.
Once you have completed your layers and the eggs are dry peel of the final layer of glue. The results are rustic and stunning!
Your children will learn science, motor skills, being gentle with the eggs, color theory, cause and effect, patience, responsibility, teamwork, communication, and consequences. Most importantly you will make happy memories and have great conversations with your child.
Even if only five people enjoy this activity, it will be one of my favorite posts! I love each step and the results, but what made it especially wonderful was having my lovely daughter Bethany (who is 24) join me. We had a delightful afternoon of fun and conversation discussing strategies, color theory, and photography.
Have fun this Easter season spending time together!
*Notes on the project
We have had reports and experienced the glue pulling the shell off. I talked to an agriculture instructor and learned that this is likely do to the amount of calcium in the egg. If a hen that laid the egg was calcium deficient, the shell will be weaker. If you have any feedback or input, I would love to hear it. ~Kristi
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So many beautiful easter egg decorating ideas out there, it’s so hard to choose! These turned out gorgeous, I especially like the layers you’ve created
You are so right! When we we first started I thought this was going a big ‘fail’, but it really became interesting as we added the layers. Glad you liked it.
this looks so fun! what a great idea.
ps found you via pinterest.
Welcome Kelli! So glad you stopped by, we had a great time making them.
Kristi
Cool Man! The bright colors are making me want to get out my bell bottoms and tie dye T’s
Groovy baby!
Oooh…I love doing crafts with glue guns!
Glue guns are a wonder tool!
Thanx for this wonderful idea….so some of these creations we are trying to make over here in Switzerland…Thanx again! Peace Carolin
Hi Carolin, Thanks for stopping by and visiting. I woud love to go to Switzerland someday! It is so beautiful.
Kristi
Can I use a regular glue gun instead of a cool temp? I’d love to try this but don’t want to buy a special glue gun!
Hi Jenna, Yes you definitely use a regular glue gun. Have fun! Kristi
WOW! These turned out fantastic! I love it!
So glad you liked them, they were a lot of fun.
Kristi
This rocks! Can’t wait to try this and a few others! So glad I found you!
[...] Hot Glue & Colour Easter Eggs by Creative Connections For Kids [...]
Very cool! You could call them “Batik” Easter Eggs!
These turned out so beautiful!!! I love them!
I am always looking for something different to make unique eggs each year. I am SO excited to try this with the kids! Thanks for this one!
I can’t wait to try this with my girls thanks for sharing.
This is SUCH a cool idea! Definitely want to give it a go with my kids this year!
Love this and totally agree that preschool kids can use glue guns – my 3 year old just helped me with a project yesterday that involved a glue gun! Brilliant art and science combo. Love this and endeavour to find a vegan version to try this out.
I am totally impressed that you have tackled glue guns with your three year old! Thank you for your kind words.
Can’t wait to try this with MY lovely daughter BETHANY.
I hope YOUR Bethany loves it. We had a blast.
I LOVE these, Kristi! They look like glistening jewels! Sharing on my FB page…
Awww thank you Rashmie! I love your unique descriptions. Thanks for sharing it with your readers.
These look FABULOUS! Been a while since I got the glue gun out. We must give this a go. Thanks
(New follower by the way)
I hope you all have fun! thanks for visiting and following.
Wow! This is such a great idea!
Pinning and sharing on the Kids Co-op facebook page because I love, love, love them!
So glad you like it Cathy, thanks for sharing it with the Kids Co-op!
What a great idea, they are so beautiful. I have featured this post on my blog today. Thanks for sharing.
Scribble Doodle and Draw
Thanks for sharing it with your readers Christine!
Would these be safe to eat because of the glue? (would there be a chance of the glue seeping through the shell?)
Please use your own judgement. There is a a chance of glue seeping through the shell since egg shells are porous. At our house, decorated eggs are primarily for fun and entertainment. Once they’ve been hidden a few times, cracked, rolled in the dirt; we really don’t won’t to eat them anyway.
[...] Hot Glue Easter Eggs [...]
Boiling eggs TONIGHT to do this with a kid I babysit tomorrow