Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Ukrainian Eggs or Pysanky

I promised several internet friends I would post photos of the eggs I have been decorating, called pysanka.  My daughter, Emily (Greens and Jeans) introduced me to them last Easter time.  This year I purchased my own supplies from the Ukrainian Gift Shop and have had some fun.




Above and below are the six I've made so far.  I did have a seventh but when I pumped out the innards the side of the shell gave way.  It must have had a crack I didn't see.


Closeups of some of this year's below.





Here's a bowl of the new ones, last year's and some other decorated eggs.



Three of last year's.  The two on the left were done by daughter, Sarah.


If you've never tried these, it is quite a lot of fun. What you do is paint with wax using tiny tools that you heat and collect the wax in.  Wherever the wax is will stay the color you have waxed over.  So where you see white was the first coating of wax.  You then place it in the color to dye and then wax over whatever you want to be that color. You continue progressing from lightest colors to darkest colors.  Once everything is done you place it in a candle flame and melt the wax off.  It's amazing to see your design appear.  The final step is to pump out the egg so you are just left with the shell.  Even with shaky hands like mine you can make some neat designs!  

Happy Easter in three weeks!

18 comments:

Jenny Rottinger said...

Thank you for posting these pictures. Having grown up in western ukraine I have very fond memories of doing this when we were kids :)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Gorgeous... Wow!!!! Love all of your colors. I could NEVER do that.... We do have some similar ones which George got one year when he was working in China...

Hugs,
Betsy

Marcia said...

How neat, Jenny that you grew up making these. Maybe one day I'll have grandkids that I can do it with.

Marcia said...

Thanks, Betsy. It is really fun despite the tremors in my hands. I figure the wavy lines are just part of the art.

1st Man said...

O.M.G. Those are awesome!!! You are very talented, love it.

Dana said...

How beautiful! I would love to try making these. :)

Have a great Tuesday. ☺

NatureStop said...

They look great!Have a great day!

Shantana

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...

Brings back memories of my childhood......... Lovely work. You are so talented.

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...

Brings back memories of my childhood..... You are quite talented!

Pearl said...

what fun. I haven't made any in years but it's about time to dig those out isn't it. The yellow tulips in black are very striking.

Jane said...

Beautiful! I did this with my kids when they were younger-a great craft to know and try!

Fun60 said...

They are beautiful. A really lovely idea for Easter.

Unknown said...

I've seen these eggs before, because hubby was asked to make a showcase for them. So beautiful, and I can imagine very rewarding, once it's done! So if I get the itch, I'll just print out your instructions! Thanks for sharing:):)

Lew said...

Very nicely done! That process takes a lot of patience and care in handling the eggs.

Pinay Tambay said...

Wow!! How'd you do that? Amazing Marcia, by the way I like your header!

Mommy Evolution said...

It's not too late to share at WW Bloggers at www.wordlesswednesdaybloggers.blogspot.com. Hope you'll join us!

Regina said...

Wow pretty!

have a great week.

Egbert Büschel said...

Hallo Marcia,

I am pleased to have found your fine contribution through the self-designed Easter eggs.

Greetings from Germany and the capital of Easter eggs. BAUTZEN is named of the capital of Easter eggs. A national minority, the Sorbs living in this area. The design of the Easter egg is becoming to a great profession.

You can see some samples of it in my blog. Have fun at the visit and during the walk. But be careful, eggs are fragile.
;-)

With best wishes
Egbert


http://gras-gefluester.blogspot.de/