Pysanky with natural dyes

Last evening, I participated in a pysanky workshop hosted by the Kosa Kolektiv using all natural dyes. The dyes were made from tumeric, onion leaves, walnut, red cabbage, and beets.

The design is created by applying a heated beeswax.  The tool for applying the wax is called a kitsa.   After the design is applied, the eggs is submerged.  Natural dyes take longer to adhere than commercial dyes and the intensity of the dye is far less opaque.

After the egg is dyed, the beeswax is removed  by rubbing the egg with oil and then heating the surface of the egg with a candle.

The instructors brought in so many beautiful examples of their pysanky.  Some of the eggs were etched with a vinegar solution – you can see the texture in the egg below.

I have not mastered applying the beeswax so the design of my eggs was (ahem) simple compared to the inspiration eggs. I definitely need more practice. 

I recently found the eggs, below, at a thrift shop. They are wooden eggs.  When Michaels was having a sale I picked up at least a dozen unpainted wooden eggs. I think my next pysanky attempt will be using wooden eggs (mistakes can be easily repainted!).

Thanks for stopping by and for those celebrating, I wish you a joyous Easter and Passover celebrations!