Kids can get really creative when it’s time for coloring Easter eggs, and having the right work station and the right tools can make it fun for everyone. Since this fun Easter event is easy, it’s great for toddlers, yet the creative complexities will engage older kids and even adults.

Spread a layer of plastic garbage bags over the table or countertop. Then, place some newspaper on top. Unlike most craft projects, newspaper just isn’t enough to protect porous surfaces from the dye in the event of a spill. Make sure that kids are wearing old clothes or paint smocks. Place the dye containers within easy reach of little hands; stretching and straining leads to spills. Use empty egg cartons to hold newly dyed eggs and to prevent them from rolling around.

Here are easy ways for kids to dye Easter eggs, using a variety of household items to create endless patterns, textures and shades:

Color Me Easter. Draw on the hardboiled egg with crayon before dyeing. The wax will stop color from adhering to the shell and leave a crisp pattern.

Elastic Eggs. Wrap rubber bands tightly around the hardboiled egg before dyeing. When the egg has reached the right color, remove the egg, and dry it off with a paper towel. Take off the rubber bands to see the cool patterns.

Marbled Marvels. Marbled eggs are fun to make with 1 tbsp. oil, 1 tbsp. vinegar and 1 tbsp. of food coloring. Add just enough water to cover an egg and drop it in. Stir the mixture with a spoon for one or two swirls, and then pull out the egg and dry it on a paper towel. The egg will have a marbled look.

Tissue Time. Tissue-paper eggs take a little time, but they are worth the wait. Wet the egg, and wrap it in different colors of tissue paper. Set the egg aside to dry, and as it dries the tissue paper falls off. The colors are left on the eggshell, leaving a lovely crinkled look.

Do It Dotty. Polka dots are perfect for spring fashion, so dress up your Easter eggs, too. Apply dots of craft paint on a hardboiled egg with a cotton swab or pencil eraser. Or, dye the egg, and then stick on some hole-punch dots with white glue.