Known aspysanky, theseUkrainian Easter eggsare decorated using the wax-resist (batik) method.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Andriana Syvanych/Shutterstock
So how does one create a pysanka?
Wax is continually added, and the egg is continuously dipped in different colors to achieve the desired design.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Mostovyi Sergii Igorevich/Shutterstock
Once dry, the beeswax is melted off with a candle, revealing the colorful pattern.
Pysanky are then varnished to preserve them before being displayed on special stands.
For many families, creating pysanky is an important cultural ritual that brings them together each Easter.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Andriana Syvanych/Shutterstock
Its even possible to find a wide range ofpysanky kitsthat provide all the supplies youll need.
Here are the essential tools youll need to start making your own Ukrainian Easter eggs.
KistkaThis special pen has a receptacle for hot wax, allowing you to draw your designs across the egg.
Photo:Ukrainian Easter Eggs
These days there areelectric kistkathat will hold more wax.
Theyre readily available in craft stores or online.
But, if you are extra crafty, you’re free to evenmake your own kistka.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Amelia Martin/Shutterstock
Tips of different widths are also available to produce a variety of lines.
This method, called drop-pull, uses pinheads dipped into hot wax to apply designs to the egg.
This tool can be used both for the wax-resist method and to create embossed eggs.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Vasyl Rohan/Shutterstock
To do this, youll need to poke a small hole on the ends and blow out the inside.
Pysanky StandAfter all the hard work in creating your decorative egg, youll want to show it off.
These days, synthetic dye drastically cuts down on time.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Igor Podgorny/Shutterstock
Pysanky SleeveLike the look of these decorated eggs, but aren’t sure about going through the whole process?
In Ukraine, these sleeves are calledLinyvky,which is derived from the Ukrainian word for lazy.
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, pick up a pencil and start sketching out your design.
This guide includes step-by-step tutorials, as well as plenty of color photos and illustrations to get you started.
Color Meanings
Thecolor paletteused in pysansky eggs is equally important to the design.
Some colors and color combinations are more popular than others.
Take a look at some modern pysanky to see how common patterns are being interpreted today.
PronounceWiki hasaudio recordingsof these variations.
How do you make pysanky eggs?
Several layers of dipping and wax are used to create popular designs on the eggs.
Where can you buy Ukrainian Easter eggs?
These include,Ukrainian Gift Shop,Best Pysanky, theUkrainian Easter Egg Store.
