We met at The Ukrainian Museum in the East Village of NYC, a beautiful and surprisingly modern building. We saw the short film Pysanka, which showed an artist creating a masterpiece. She made it look easy; trust me, it's not.
Do not think for one minute that drawing a straight line on a raw egg with hot wax in a copper stylus is easy!
First you draw your basic design with the wax. Everything you draw will be white on the finished piece. Then the egg gets dipped in the lightest dye, which for us was yellow. Then you do more drawing and covering with the wax to preserve whatever parts you want to remain yellow. Next color is orange. This continues with red, and finally, black. The last step is holding the finished egg close to the flame of a candle and wiping off the wax as it melts. This reveals the completed colorful design.
As difficult as the drawing was, I think just thinking about what should be covered, how the colors would look in the end, was even harder.
But, we had sooooo much fun, and afterwards had a great meal at a nearby Ukrainian restaurant.
Yes, this is me, showing off my finished egg, wobbly lines and all.
Amalia did a great job!
Corris holding her finished egg.
Kahena's design was a very modern take on this traditional craft.
And lastly, Laurel, who began her birthday celebration with egg decorating (doesn't everyone?), looks rightly pleased with her creation. Happy Birthday, Laurel!
We already decided we're coming back next year, and we just know our lines will be much straighter!
I'll be back later with another post to announce my blogoversary giveaway winners!
