For the class project, you'll create a Ukrainian Easter egg (pysanka). I’m demonstrating a simple design, using white and two other colors. You can follow along with me as I create the one in the videos, or make up your own using the same basic instructions but your own variations, motifs and colors.

*Before you do the class project, you might first make an egg that is completely for practice: take a white egg and make any kind of wax marks on it with the stylus; you could then soak it in any color dye bath, and melt off the wax to see your design. Or, you don't even have to dye the practice egg; you'll just familiarize yourself with the technique, without worrying about how it turns out.

The pysanky motifs and designs have symbolic meanings, which can add another dimension to your creation. I suggest doing some research on Pinterest or Google for inspiration.

Good luck, and please share your progress photos!

Here is a link to my Pinterest board, Making Pysanky:

https://www.pinterest.com/bulbenko/making-pysanky/

Here are a few links to shops that carry pysanky supplies. Check them out, as you might discover that they sell other useful products like books, egg pumps and egg stands:

http://www.ukrainiangiftshop.com/

http://www.allthingsukrainian.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Wooden-Medium-Beeswax-Ukrainian-Decorating/dp/B00IIYYU6K/ref=pd_day0_hl_196_5/141-6842756-1656420?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00IIYYU6K&pd_rd_r=2d0097df-3a0d-11e9-9b69-bbd1e64c83e8&pd_rd_w=IeQkt&pd_rd_wg=UPTkK&pf_rd_p=ad07871c-e646-4161-82c7-5ed0d4c85b07&pf_rd_r=6RA1SZZ92ZNSX9GZ9K93&psc=1&refRID=6RA1SZZ92ZNSX9GZ9K93

https://www.bestpysanky.com/products/3-kistkas-beeswax-cleaning-wire-instructions-egg-decorating-kit?dfw_tracker=27583-46366594259&utm_campaign=gs-2018-10-06&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4qvlBRDiARIsAHme6ovSI00SkY8KJMO2ZJP_KqghxPI8UY5P3D2XbxmMlfO6ArF4JqVWYCEaAlDSEALw_wcB

I highly recommend this book: It has step-by-step instructions, information about the different motifs and their traditional meanings, as well as gorgeous photos!

https://www.amazon.com/Eggs-Beautiful-Make-Ukrainian-Easter/dp/0960250239/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BH4RMB0AVDLO&keywords=eggs+beautiful&qid=1553885543&s=gateway&sprefix=Eggs+Beau%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1

Attached is a PDF printable of geometric egg divisions, for drawing your design ideas.

Inetta Szczyrek

--

5