Decorating Pysanky Eggs
Pysanky is a eastern European form of decorating eggs that is done in the Spring. It has pagan origins with adopted Christian symbols and meanings.
Pysanky is a eastern European form of decorating eggs that is done in the Spring. It has pagan origins with adopted Christian symbols and meanings.
Step 1: Draw design lightly on egg using a pencil. Go over pencil lines using a heated kiska and beeswax.
Step 3: Draw wax lines that you prefer to be yellow.
Step 5: This egg has had red wax lines drawn with a kiska and has been placed in the black dye. The student is now taking the wax off the egg by melting it with a lit candle and using paper towel to scoop off the excess wax.
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Step 2: Place egg in yellow dye for 10 minutes.
Step 4: This egg has been through a red dye bath.
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Procedure:
- Use a large clean white egg and choose a pattern to draw
- Draw lines and symbols on egg with a pencil
- Apply beeswax to lines using a heated kiska
- Place egg in yellow dye first
- Draw wax lines on the egg after yellow dye bath
- Place egg in red or orange dye
- Draw wax lines to red/orange egg
- Place the egg in the black dye (or dark color) last
- Heat the wax on the egg using a burning candle and wipe away the excess with paper towel
- FYI: There are many variations on the waxing and dyeing process based on particular patterns and designs.
Finishing the eggs:- It is recommended that you finish the egg by spraying it with a glossy varnish.
- For storage, place the egg in safe dry place. Rotate the egg every so often to dry up the yolk. If the egg cracks, you may want to toss it in the trash because they tend to smell.