Simple, beautiful pysanky or Ukranian Easter Eggs are within the reach of any beginner! These elegant eggs make great gifts for family and friends. You will need: ·
Best for Adults
Details
Simple, beautiful pysanky or Ukranian Easter Eggs are within the reach of any beginner! These elegant eggs make great gifts for family and friends. You will need: ·
Smooth, fresh eggs at room temperature ·
Writing tools (straight pins stuck into a dowel, cork, or pencil eraser) ·Wax (equal amounts beeswax and paraffin) ·
Wax warmer (candle heated container) ·
Egg dyes (prepared according to package instructions in containers large enough to submerge eggs)
Paper tissues or soft absorbent cloth
Step 1
Prepare the eggs by "blowing" your eggs before painting. Use a long pin to make a tiny hole at each end; the hole should be a bit larger at the bottom. Pierce and break the yolk with the long pin. Shake to mix the inner contents. Over a bowl or sink, blow through the smaller hole to force the contents out of the larger opening. Rinse the shell and prop on an egg carton to dry.
Step 2
Create the design. First practice your design on paper before applying wax to the egg.
Step 3
Melt the wax. Working quickly to prevent the wax from hardening, dip the pinhead into melted wax and touch it to the egg to create your design. The pinhead touched to the egg will form a small dot. To make a tear drop shape, draw the pinhead along the surface of the egg. These two shapes may be used in different combinations to make a variety of designs.
Step 4
One to three colors are usually used for each egg. Always progress from the lightest to the darkest dye color. When the complete wax design has been applied, place the egg in the first dye solution several times until desired color is reached (10-30 minutes). The longer the egg remains in the dye, the deeper the color will be. Remove the egg and blot dry with tissue or cloth. Once the egg is dry, add additional wax designs and repeat color process with darker dye.
Step 5
To finish, after the final dye bath, remove the wax by holding the egg, a small section at a time, against the side of the candle flame for no more than five seconds. As soon as the section appears wet, blot with a clean, soft cloth. Continue until all the wax is removed. do not hold the egg over the tip of flame, as carbon will collect and darken your design.
Step 6
Eggs may be preserved with varnish. Use a clear type of varnish and 2 or 3 light coats.
Best for Adults
