Whether you are new to pysanky or are ready to teach a workshop, this
booklet is for you. Precise step-by-step instructions and detailed
suggestions provide a systematic approach to learning the art of
pysanky. The Ukrainian word pysanky means to write on an egg; pysanky
eggs are decorated using an ancient wax and dye technique. Creating
Pysanky grew from my own experiences during five years
teaching pysanky to adults and children, and it is a great introduction
to this rich and enduring art form.
Now take another egg, and draw a line around the
middle of it. Then draw another line from top to bottom around
the egg. This will divide your egg in half vertically and horizontally,
into eight equal sections. Don't worry if your lines are squiggly. This
takes practice! When you are done, one half of the egg should look
something like the drawing at right:
Lesson 2, Step 9:
Now drip a few more dots of wax onto the egg. Continue thinking about
what you are doing! The wax you put on the white egg will stay in place
and keep those portions of the eggshell white. The wax you are applying
to the light-colored egg will protect the
eggshell and it will stay that color through the entire process.
Lesson 3, Step 2:
Next, plan which parts of the egg will be white when you are all done.
Traditionally, most or all of the outline is white. Draw your design in
the empty egg on the next page. Don't
copy the example; it's there only to help you see how this works. Be
creative! Use some of the traditional Ukrainian symbols listed on pages
17-21.
Creating Pysanky is a unique booklet written for
complete beginners to this art form who benefit from clear,
step-by-step instructions on working with eggs. When I teach, I give
the booklet to my students ahead of time and ask them to read it and
complete the lessons before the first session. By working with eggs at
home and practicing some simple skills on their own, students arrive
much more ready to learn and we can be much more productive during our
precious time together. At the first session I hand out the kit, and
during the week between sessions the students read the booklet again
and arrive at the second session bursting with questions and ideas.
Creating Pysanky can enrich your students' learning experience
dramatically, while giving you more time to focus on the fine points of
pysanky during your classes.
Creating Pysanky is printed on 12 sheets of sturdy paper, double sided,
folded in half, and stapled together in the center (saddle-stitched).
Several illustrations are in color.
Elizabeth Boyer Cooney, married and mother of three, has a Master of
Education in Instructional Technology from the
University of Virginia (1988). She has been creating pysanky for twelve
years, and she teaches pysanky each spring to children and adults.
She lives in Pittsford, New York.