Every Spring when we’re coloring eggs, I hollow out an egg for each child to color and then save it as a keepsake over the years.  Each year means a new color, a new age to write on the egg . . . and a new memory.  It is fun to see their scribbles transform into letters and grow a collection of eggs to keep on display.

How to Hollow an Egg:

1.  You’ll need a straight pin and a raw egg.  I also use a longer pin to help poke and break up the yoke.

4.  Now comes the fun part (if only).  While gently holding the egg, purse your lips and blow through the top hole, forcing the egg white and yolk out through the bottom hole.  It takes time.  Be patient.  Your cheeks may get a little sore too!  If you find you are getting stuck, use your larger pin to loosen things up from the bottom.  You can also cover the top hole and give the egg a little shake.

5.  Continue blowing out the egg until it is entirely empty.

6.  Run some water into the egg, shake and blow out the water until it runs clear.

7.  Sanitize the egg shell and allow the egg to dry completely.

8.  Using a crayon (I like the clear crayons that come with egg kits best), write or draw on the egg before coloring.  Be sure to include your child’s name, age and year.  Depending on their age, they may be able to draw a picture, design or simply write their own name.  The egg is very fragile and needs to be handled with little pressure.

9.  Color the egg with dye from an egg coloring kit and allow to dry completely.  Sometimes, I have had to dab the ends of the egg where dye bubbles out the hole.

This is what happens when your eggs are in reach of toddlers.  🙁

* Please keep in mind that raw eggs may contain bacteria.  Consuming raw eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

*** Credit for this one goes to my mom who has a hollowed egg for each of the first 18 years of life (and maybe more!) for my brother and me.  That is one colorful and large collection of eggs!

Check out our other Spring family tradition here:  A Spring Nest Treat and CUTE poem, “The Secret.”