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The Art Of (Pysanky) Ukrainian Eggs

to note that once the wax has been applied to the egg it cannot be removed. Eggs are porous and the wax will adhere to the surface and grab onto the pores, even if you scrape the wax off it will be embedded into the pores and will leave a film where dye cannot then read the egg.

PROCESS
Eggs
Use white or brown eggs (I prefer brown organic, they come out with a nice natural look, and the organic tend to be a tougher shell).

It is important to examine your egg before you begin to ensure there are no flaws, cracks or holes, which will weaken the egg and may cause it to break during the process (flaws like extra lumps in the shell cause the wax to not apply evenly as well or shiny spots that prevent the color from adhering). Next, wash the egg thoroughly or rinse well, and let it dry. The egg needs to be at room temperature. Wax does not stick to moist surfaces and refrigerated eggs perspire.

Design
First draw the design....



Next, heat the stylus...



Now it's time to color the egg. The first step will be to put wax on the areas that are to remain uncolored.



The first waxing will leave the color of the egg show through. Always work from the lightest color to the darkest color. Each step will add more wax and the egg will be dipped into another color, so it must be the lightest of colors first or you will get a muddy egg.

Now gently place the egg into the die bath, by Tilting the canning jar sideways.

Let the egg stand in the die bath five minutes or until desired color intensity. Remove the egg from the die using several napkins, grab egg and pat dry - don't rub

This is what it looks like after the first round of color...



Repeat the wax and dye process.

More wax on it...



After the second bath of color...

Finally, the wax must be removed from the egg. You do not want to leave any traces of wax on, so this takes a while and a lot of feeling around as well. :) You must hold egg next to, not in candle or it will scorch.



Some will seal their egg now with varnish some wait until after the next step. Sealing the egg before blowing protects the colors from fading when you blow out the insides and rinse, but if you seal an egg you MUST ensure that you do drill and remove the interior or it will explode as the varnish prevents the egg from breathing and gasses build up inside.

After you are sure all the wax is gone, pierce both ends and remove the innards (yuck - one of them necessary evils).... You must pierce & blow thoroughly to remove all traces of egg.





Then RINSE WELL. Let it sit 1-2


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The Art Of (Pysanky) Ukrainian Eggs

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