Intro to Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs)

While often identified with the Ukraine, Pysanky (Ukrainian-style wax resist egg decorating) are a traditional folk art practiced throughout Eastern and northeastern Europe. Traditional designs used on the eggs are thousands of years old.

This class will lead participants through the wonderful world of egg writing or “Pysanky” for Easter and beyond. This craft creates beautifully detailed decorated eggs that are fun for the entire family to make and can be a new tradition as it is with instructor, Carol Lane Fortier.

Participants will learn about the history of wax-resist eggs and some of the associated folklore. They will practice the basic techniques for creating the eggs, how to use the kystka (tiny metal funnel on a stick) to draw the designs in melted wax, the techniques for dyeing the eggs, and how to finish the project. Students will take home tools to make more eggs at home, as well as eggs completed in the class.