Pysanky: Exquisite Ukrainian Painted Easter Eggs
Put away the store-bought egg dye kits and try your hand at pysanky, gorgeous painted Easter eggs, a tradition in Ukraine. You’ll never go back to food coloring.
Around this time of year, you might start thinking about dyeing Easter eggs. Want to make your eggs extra special? Forgo the store-bought egg dyeing kits, and try creating pysanky, or Ukrainian Easter eggs.
Created with beeswax and special powdered dye (though painting pysanky with gouache is an alternative), these intricately decorated eggs are both gorgeous and fun to make.
Quick Links
What Are Pysanky?
Pysanky are Ukrainian Easter eggs that are intricately decorated using beeswax and dyes. A single egg is a pysanka. The eggs’ designs often incorporate traditional folk motifs that are both beautiful and meaningful.
What Does Pysanky Mean?
Pysanky comes from the Ukrainian verb pysaty, which means “to write.” This provides some insight into how pysanky are made—by using beeswax to write, rather than paint, designs on the eggs.
The Origins of Pysanky
The art of pysanky likely dates back to the pre-Christian era. Because eggshells are so fragile, it is nearly impossible to find ancient, intact examples of them; however, archaeologists have found fragments of the eggs, as well as similar designs painted on pottery and other artifacts from that time period.
In those times, Ukrainians worshiped the sun god, Dazhboh. The sun god’s chosen creatures—the only ones that could come near to him—were birds. Therefore, the egg was seen as a symbol of life and a talisman against evil. Eggs were typically decorated in springtime and in secret so that outsiders couldn’t cast spells on them.
Incorporating Traditional Motifs
Traditional pysanky often incorporate geometric motifs—like diamonds and triangles—along with plant and animal elements. If you want to include these symbols in your own designs, try doing a Google image search to see examples and get ideas for your own eggs. However, keep in mind that modern pysanky can also include more contemporary designs, as well!
How to Make Pysanky
Pysanky, meaning “to write,” has a much different process than the egg dyeing you may have done in the past. Traditionally, they’re created with a wax-resist technique known as the batik method. Essentially, you apply layers of beeswax to an egg using a stylus (called a kistka), and then dip the egg into dye. Adding multiple layers of wax and dye allows you to create a multicolored pysanka.
To make pysanky with the batik method, you will need the following materials:
- Uncooked eggs
- Kistka (a stylus with a reservoir and funnel)
- Powdered Ukrainian Easter egg dyes
- Beeswax
- Candle
- Pencil
- Paper towels
Batik Paint Method
Step 1: Prepare Your Egg
Wash and dry an uncooked egg, and then use a pencil to lightly sketch your design on it. If you make a mistake, don’t erase it—eraser marks or scratches could cause uneven dyeing later in the process.
Step 2: Apply Wax
Use the funnel side of the kistka to scoop up a little beeswax. Then, hold the end of the kistka over the flame of a candle to melt the wax in the funnel. Once the wax gets warm enough, it will begin flowing out of the tip of the stylus. Test it out on paper to get used to the flow of the wax, and then begin applying it on top of your design lines. Keep in mind that the areas covered with wax will remain uncolored.
Reheat the wax and reload the funnel when needed. Eventually, you’ll get into a rhythm: scoop wax, heat wax, apply wax, repeat.
Step 3: Dip the Egg in Dye
Using a spoon, gently place your egg in a cup of your lightest color dye. (Be careful not to drop it in too quickly, or it may crack!) Leave it in the dye until it reaches the desired color. Lift it out of the dye and gently blot it dry with a paper towel.
More Fun With Dye
Natural Dyeing: Bundle Dye a Scarf with Vibrant Natural Color
Step 4: Repeat for Additional Layers
For simple pysanky, you may choose to add just one layer of wax and dye. However, you can create more complex designs by layering additional colors. Simply add more wax designs on top of the dyed egg. These lines will retain the color of the first dye you used. So, for example, say that you first dipped the egg in yellow dye. Any new designs you add will be yellow.
After applying each new layer of wax, dip the egg into a progressively darker color of dye. Always work from lightest to darkest to ensure each layer of dye shows up.
Step 5: Remove the Wax
After you’ve completed all layers of wax and dye, it’s time to reveal the final design by melting the wax off the egg. Working in small sections, hold the egg close enough to a candle flame to melt the wax, and then use a tissue to wipe it away.
Finally, to protect the finished egg, spray on two coats of varnish and let it dry completely.
How Long Do Pysanky Eggs Last?
With the right care, a pysanka can last a long time—years, even. However, the preservation method is slightly different depending on whether you paint a drained or an undrained egg.
How to Preserve Undrained Pysanky
Surprisingly, you can preserve an undrained pysanka that contains the yolk and whites. If you pursue this method, it’s essential to make sure you choose an egg without any hairline cracks or thin spots. Cracks can allow bacteria to enter the egg, causing it to eventually rot. However, as long as the outer shell remains perfectly intact and the egg is stored in a place with adequate air circulation, it will eventually dry out.
How to Preserve Drained Pysanky
You can also preserve a blown (or drained) pysanky egg. First, paint the egg while it still contains the yolk and whites. Once the design is complete, make a small hole in the bottom of the egg with a drill or Exacto knife. Then, use a special pump (called a one-hole egg blower or pump) to extract the insides of the egg. Using the pump again, rinse the inside of the egg with water. By cleaning it thoroughly, you can ensure that your egg will last for years without rotting.
Pysanky Classes
Because it's not a common craft, it may be difficult to find pysanky classes near you. Don't worry, we've got you covered with these fun Skillshare classes you can take in the comfort of your own home:
Explore Ukrainian Folk Art: Paint Easy Beautiful Easter Eggs in Gouache
Making Pysanky
Enrich Your Easter Traditions
Making pysanky is an intricate, meditative craft that results in a breathtaking piece of art. Try creating these eggs for the Easter holiday, and have fun bringing this ancient art form into your modern traditions.
Uplevel Your Easter Eggs
Making Pysanky
Try Skillshare for free! Sign up for a 7 day free trial today!
Get Started- Unlimited access to every class
- Supportive online creative community
- Learn offline with Skillshare's app
