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After a trip to the store I realized that my project isn’t nearly as unique as I had thought it was but I’m still happy with these Easter eggs that change colors with changes in temperature. In fact, they can change just with the warmth from your hands. How cool is that?
Since I’ve also shared color changing slime you might say that I’m gaga over thermochromic powders right now but if this isn’t your thing just know that my stash has begun to run low :)
But as I’m wont to due I’m getting sidetracked here… Although I can’t quite say Easter is looming at this point in time with the holiday currently being a full 41 days away I decided this year to get a jump on my Easter egg game since I always seem to post the tutorials too late for anyone to actually do for that year. So huzzah for forethought! Kind of like my galaxy eggs, I got those suckers out waaay late but luckily they still did pretty well ;)
For this project you will need:
- Thermochromic pigment (creates the temperature activated color change)
- Dyeable plastic Easter eggs (check Walmart, Target or Michael’s)
- Acrylic paint
- Wooden skewers
- Foam block
- Paint brush, etc.
First up we’ve got a video tutorial and then below the typical photo tutorial!
Wasn’t that fun? Let’s hit up this pictorial, then…
That little pouch is thermochromic pigment and it’s how we get the fabulous color change. Oxford dictionary defines thermochromism as “undergoing a reversible change of color when heated or cooled.”
You’ll first want to start with a base coat of acrylic paint for your plastic eggs. You can also purchase these totally bright and fab pre-colored eggs from Target.
Create just a small puddle of acrylic paint to match the base color.
Shake in some thermochromic pigment and then mix well. The more pigment the stronger the color change and the more quickly it will occur. Now because this stuff isn’t necessarily cheap be sure to use color combinations that you KNOW will yield a good result. Yellow and red make orange and yellow and blue make green, you know, that sort of a thing. Any paint that turns a yucky brown (like red plus green) will just be wasted supplies.
Place your egg onto a wooden skewer to easily handle as you paint.
Layer the pigmented acrylic over your base coat. Typically one coat worked well for me but you might find 2 coats necessary if your paint is a bit thin.
Stick the skewers into a foam block to easily dry as you work.
Once dry these thermochromic Easter eggs will respond to the temperature of your hands with a fun color change! See how the base color of the paint (yellow) is visible through the red+yellow=orange top coat?
I’m pretty darn positive after texting pics to my youngest nephew that kids are gonna LOVE this project. I mean, you’re totally going to be the cool adult when you start making Easter eggs that change colors. With thermochromic pigment you’ll make these eggs that are so cool and kind of educational and all science-y at the same time! :)
