Join Olya Anima to learn about traditional egg decorating with plants. Experiment with natural forms and colours to create some beautiful and surprising patterns.
Through natural egg decorating with plants, participants will discover how to create stunning, naturally dyed Easter eggs using simple, plant-based techniques. By wrapping eggs with leaves and onion skins, you will imprint delicate botanical patterns onto the surface, revealing unexpected and unique results.
Says Olya: “The beauty of this process is in the surprise—no two eggs are ever the same. Just like nature, it’s full of movement, change, and unexpected wonder.”
Saturday 12 April
Just drop in.
Donation 50p per egg. Or you can bring your own eggs, preferably white.
Session 1: 12.00 – 1.15
Session 2: 1.45 – 3.00
Session 3: 3.15 – 4.30
A Blend of Tradition and Creativity
For centuries, people have used natural materials to dye eggs, creating beautiful, organic patterns, using plants and onion skins. This process is traditional in Latvia and in many countries of Eastern Europe. It is not just about colour—it carries a rich cultural history, connecting us to ancestral traditions and nature’s own palette.
This session is about **playfulness and discovery**, a chance to explore **the beauty of natural pigments** while learning a bit about the traditions behind them.
By the end, each participant will take home their own set of uniquely dyed eggs—a little piece of **heritage and creativity combined**.
Workshop Structure & Timeline
- Welcome & Introduction (10 min)
Introduction to the history and purpose of natural egg dyeing.
“Today, we’ll be transforming simple eggs into something truly special, using only what nature provides. Let’s embrace the surprises and see how plants and colors come to life in unexpected ways!”
2. Preparing the Eggs & Materials (15 min)
Show how to prepare eggs and arrange the designs before dyeing.
Participants choose their plants and explore their shapes and textures.
Teach the **wrapping technique** using leaves, onion skins, and cloth.
Encouraging creativity
– ‘Experiment with different plant shapes—some will leave clear patterns, while others will create softer, unexpected marks.’
3. The Boiling & Dyeing Process (25 min)
Participants to place their wrapped eggs into the boiling pot.
Immerse eggs in the onion-skin dye bath and observe the transformation.
Watch the natural dyeing reaction between onion skins, vinegar, and heat.
4. The Unwrapping Moment – Revealing the Patterns (20 min)
Unwrap the eggs and enjoy the results!
Gently remove the string, onion skins, and leaves.
– Provide a soft cloth for **polishing the eggs** with a drop of oil to bring out the shine.
Reflection and sharing
– ‘What do you love about how your egg turned out?’
– ‘Did any unexpected patterns appear?’
5. Closing & Takeaway (10 min)
– Encourage participants to take home their dyed eggs and share them with family or friends.
Why You Should Join This Workshop
✔ **Fun & hands-on** – Perfect for all ages, this workshop is an enjoyable mix of art and tradition.
✔ **Cultural connection** – Discover the history behind natural egg dyeing and why it remains a beloved tradition.
✔ **Creative & experimental** – No two eggs turn out the same—every result is unique and beautiful.
✔ **Eco-friendly & natural** – Learn a sustainable alternative to artificial dyes using kitchen ingredients and plants.
**Come create, explore, and uncover the beauty of natural dyes!**
See our latst exhibition Plant Power while you are visiting
About Olya Anima
Olya Anima is an experimental artist whose practice is driven by an ongoing exploration of materials, processes, and the psychological and emotional dimensions of visual storytelling. With a background
in illustration, painting, animation filmmaking, and video editing, she works across disciplines, continuously pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Rather than adhering to a fixed approach, she engages in a dynamic process that integrates both structured research and intuitive decision-making.
A central theme in Olya’s work is connection – between humans and their environment, between individuals, and within the self. Nature plays a fundamental role in her life and creative process, serving as both
an inspiration and an essential subject of exploration. She is deeply invested in examining the unseen,
often unconscious bonds between people and the natural world, seeking to capture their complexity and depth through her artistic practice. The diversity, power, and unpredictability of nature not only inform
her visual language but also influence her approach to materials and techniques.
Believing that a thoughtful and respectful collaboration with nature can enhance human existence, Olya’s work aims to create spaces for contemplation – where emotions, memories, and instincts intertwine with the organic forces that shape the world. Whether through abstraction or figurative elements, her goal is to provoke a visceral response in the viewer, prompting a dialogue between the artwork and the subconscious
