Gaily decorated eggs are a traditional part of Easter and they can provide hours of amusement for children. If they plan to paint a design or faces on the eggs, make sure you prepare the surface first, otherwise the paint will smear. Hard-boil the eggs – cover with cold water and bring slowly to the boil to avoid cracking. Simmer for 6–8 minutes then drain and run under cold water until the eggs are cool enough to handle.
Beat an egg white with a fork just enough to break it up, but not enough to make it frothy. Using a pastry brush paint the egg shell all over to seal the surface. The egg white will dry very quickly since the eggs are still warm. It is advisable to give each egg two coats. When dried the eggs will look just the same, except that they have a slightly shiny surface. Coloured felt-tipped pens, water colours or poster colours will go on quite smoothly and can be used to make quite elaborate designs. Little hats made from scraps of material, or wool for hair can be added to those with faces.