Pysanky are Ukrainian Easter eggs decorated with traditional folk designs using the wax-resist (or batik) method.  Instead of painting on designs, melted beeswax is used to draw the designs onto the surface of an uncooked egg. The areas covered in wax remains white. The egg is then put into a light color dye and the wax process repeated (to create the parts of the pattern that will remain that color), the egg is dyed a darker color, and so on, until there are many layers of wax and dye. When the design is complete, all the wax is melted off and the intricate multi-colored pattern revealed! Variations on this tradition can be found in a number of Eastern European cultures. The decorated eggs are typically given to other family and community members as a symbolic gift of life.

Laura, an re staff member, has been creating Easter Pysanky for many years, so recognized the tools and materials when some were recently donated to us!  The metal cone of the stylus pictured is heated up on a candle flame until it is hot enough to scoop up some beeswax off the block. The wax then drips slowly out the open tip of the stylus like ink out of a pen. The word Pysanka actually comes from the verb “pysati” – to write.  The process of making Pysanky, while certainly requiring time and attention, is immensely fun and rewarding. Interested in trying it out? Already a Pysanky pro yourself? Stop in the store today to check out the supplies we have and chat with Laura. You’ll find anything else you still need to get started at www.pysankyusa.com.  Happy Easter!