Pysanky Ornament Workshop

Pysanky are a lot like Asheville- unique, fun and colorful!

In this workshop we will be making beautiful Ukrainian Easter eggs – pysanky- as holiday ornaments. You will learn the method of batik – also called wax-resist – dying. You will also be familiarized with the wide range of Ukrainian folk art traditional patterns, designs and symbols and their history. The designs are made with beeswax which is melted in the flame of a candle and applied to the egg using a tool called a kistka. The eggs are dipped into successively darker dyes. At the end of the process the beeswax is melted off to reveal the beautiful and colorful design. You may use the traditional patterns, or also freestyle and make up your own design. Pysanky are also a really wonderful thing to do during quarantine… they are fun, relaxing, and meditative to create. And, the symbols are all good wishes, so this is the perfect time to create eggs with symbols wishing for good health, long life, strength and protection.

Social distancing and masks required.

We will be working with dyes so please wear clothes you don’t mind possibly getting a little dye on, or bring an apron. If you have long hair, please bring something to tie your hair back to protect it from the candle flame.

I will provide all materials including eggs. You will take home whatever pysanky you make. You will have the choice to work with full or empty eggs. I will go over the pros and cons of each. If you use full eggs, if you like, you may varnish and empty your eggs at home, or I will gladly varnish and empty your eggs for you and you can pick them up about a week after the class. Empty eggs can be taken home the same day as class (unvarnished) or I can varnish them for you and you can pick them up in a few days.

Feel free to bring a drink and snack. We won’t have a formal break but feel free to take a break at any time. Please wash your hands at the beginning of class and after handling any food or touching your skin, as oils from food and skin can affect the dye’s ability to adhere to the egg. Please eat any snacks away from the work area. Masks and social distancing required. Class will be limited to 3 people total.

$65 for one session includes all materials ($65 cash/check, $68 credit card/PayPal) and is payable at class. 

Classes often run an extra half-hour if you need extra time to finish up.

Student pysanky eggs that were made into ornaments from past years: