My father first taught me the craft of making pysanka - Ukrainian Easter eggs - when I was very young.
Over the years and with lots of practice, I think I've finally got to the point where they are presentable!
I made the eggs in this photo with regular extra large chicken eggs. I work on four or five eggs at a time, each being in a different stage of completion.
The eggs are created with a wax-relief method, similar to batik.
Beginning with a white egg, the designs are drawn on in hot beeswax with a tool called a kistka. Then the eggs are dipped into a dye bath. More wax is applied and the process is repeated until the design is complete and all desired dye colors have been used. When the egg is finished, the wax is removed and the inside of the egg is emptied.
If you're interested in learning how to make your own Ukrainian Easter eggs, check out my other blog post:
There are also a few good books on the subject, which are great resources for designs and tips and techniques!
What do you think?
What do you think?