Robyn Eggs
 

Pysanky: The Process

 

An egg is first carefully selected and cleansed. A tiny hole is drilled at the base of the egg; it is through this small hole that the contents of the egg are emptied using a small handheld pump.  The shell is then carefully measured and divided, with guidelines written in pencil according to the desired final design. 


IMG_1186 2.jpg
IMG_1187 2.jpg

Colored beeswax is applied, using a kistka, to all areas that are to remain white in the final design. 


IMG_1197 2.jpg
IMG_1203 2.jpg

Layers of color are created with the addition of each new dye in the sequence; each time, only the areas covered in wax will be visible in the finished product. 


IMG_1204.jpg

Eventually, the shell is dipped into its final color bath in order to provide a background color. The wax-covered shell is then held up to a flame...


...and the melted wax is wiped off to reveal the finished pysanka.