How to Write Pysanky Ukrainian Easter Eggs What

How to Write Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs)

What materials are needed?

Clean, dry white eggs

A stylus (writing tool)

Dyes

Beeswax

A candle

The pysanka-writing process

It is a form of batik (wax resist)

First we write the design on the egg in pencil

Next, the design is written in beeswax

Everything written in wax is sealed and will remain WHITE

In making pysanky, the egg is dyed in a series of dyebaths, beginning with the lightest color and ending with the darkest.

The lightest color of dye is yellow. We dye the egg in yellow dye and then write with wax on the yellow egg.

We add a bit of green color to the egg with a brush or Q-tip, and then write dots

“Spot-dyeing” is used for small areas of color. If large areas are to be dyed blue or green, the entire egg should be dyed.

The next dye color is orange; we dye the egg and write on the orange shell.

Next we dye the egg red and write on it.

The last color should be the darkest; in our case, it will be black.

Once the wax is removed, you can see the beauty of this pysanka!!!!!

How do we write with wax?

Hold the tool (stylus) like a pencil

Heat the head of the stylus in the candle flame.

Gather wax into the reservoir. Scoop it up while the metal is hot.

Heat the tip for three seconds.

Write.

When the wax stops flowing, reheat the stylus.

And continue writing.

Keep repeating this process until you are done writing your design!

How to remove the wax

Hold the egg NEXT to the candle flame.

DO NOT hold the egg over the flame or it will scorch!!!!

When the wax has melted, wipe it off with a bit of paper towel or tissue.

Remove the wax bit by bit until it is all gone.