The Magic Egg - Modern Pysanky

Thanks for signing up for a session in The Magic Egg Salon. The 3 hour class will introduce students to the ancient craft of Pysanky Batik Eggs.  It is a technique using beeswax, which resists the dye, to write designs on eggs.  Eggs are inscribed with wax and dyed several times before the wax is removed and the pattern is revealed. The eggs are varnished to a high gloss.

All over Eastern Europe, the craft of wax-resist eggs has been passed down from Mother to Daughter from Pagan times. Traditionally the eggs were made in the dead of winter in preparation for the new season.  Christianity usurped the tradition and they became associated with Christian Easter.

Symbols of fertility and abundant harvests are inscribed on the eggs and then crushed in planting holes during spring.  Symbols of animals and bees are inscribed and placed in feeding trays and honey hives.  Red eggs are made for newlyweds, women wanting to conceive a baby, or a girl’s gift to a boy she favors.  Black eggs with symbols of ladders to the afterlife are made and kept for funerals.

I learned Pysanky at 4 years old and have done pysanky every year since then. I grew up in an immigrant household with both of my Mother’s parents having immigrated from Ukraine area.  I share many memories and stories about how the eggs were used and why it is important for us to make eggs every year. I have taught the art of pysanky to hundreds of people.  Most recently l, I have been offering classes as a fundraisers for Ukraine.

The ritual of creating the eggs is as important as the eggs themselves. No words of ill will are allowed to be spoken while making eggs.  Traditionally, it is the only time of the year that the kitchen door is closed….as fertile eggs are inscribed with symbols and the eggs infused with prayers.  Pysanky is so much more than a simple folk craft.

Traditional designs evolved into modern interpretations.  People now write words on eggs, do abstract color studies, make confetti eggs or try to reproduce the Mona Lisa.  Nowadays, anything goes in writing the eggs.  We preserve the most basic intent of pysanky ….. to fill each egg with good wishes for its recipient.

I have taught large groups  and small circles. I offered a pysanky class at Northlake UU to honor my Mom when she passed over and had over 80 people try it. I have taught in Pittsburgh, LA, Santa Fe and Seattle. I am like Johnny Appleseed, creating and scattering Pysanky artists as I go.

Directions to The Magic Egg Salon:

From town out Argyle to just past the fairgrounds, Left on Dougherty, then Right onto Pelican Way. After the street curves to the left, you come to a parking area. My house is up on the hill to the left. The studio is on the lower level…entrance is behind the orange car.

My phone number is 425.753.5735

Email address kat@flamingchalice.com

Pricing: To encourage folks to practice their skills and make more Pysanky, returning students can come and use the supplies any time there is a free space for $10. New students pay $45 for initial instruction. If you have a group of 4-6, we can create a private class for you any time it works out for all.