EMBELLISH IT: EGGCRAFT
AB
CD
Fig. A: Although we’re heating a traditional kistka, quill- Fig. D: For multi-colored eggs, it will take rounds of waxing
type calligraphy pens with B6 or C5 nibs also work. and dying. If you don’t have traditional pysanky dyes,
Fig. B: When dipping the kitska into wax, do not overfill fabric dye or food coloring work. If the egg won’t be
— the kitska may drip too much wax at once. Fig. C and eaten, puncture with a needle and drain before starting.
will resist applied dyes, resulting in a batiked effect.
Materials
» Egg, hard-boiled or blown empty,
room-temperature
» Kistkas (egg writing tools — come in
various tip sizes) or wax pen
» Beeswax
» Dyes
» Vinegar
» Lacquer
» Bowl for dyeing
eggs (not shown)
For best results, use vinegar to remove impuri-ties on the shell, and since oil on your hands can
become a resistant to dye, wash them well too.
3. Begin dyeing the egg.
Dye with lightest colors first, dipping the egg until
the color pleases you. Allow the egg to dry completely before adding subsequent coats of wax and
progressively darker colors.
4. Clean and seal.
After your finished egg has dried, put it in a 250°F oven,
or simply hold near (but not directly over) a candle
flame, to melt the wax. Once melting starts, remove
1. Get a feel for writing with bees- and wipe the egg with a tissue. Seal your ephemeral art
wax by practicing on newsprint. object with a coat of lacquer for a shiny finish.
To do this, heat your kistka or wax pen over a lit candle,
then dip the scoop into the heated beeswax. A pen nib Resources:
may also work, but you’ll have to re-dip more often. paulwirhun.com (see Crafter profile on page 26)
theskullproject.com
2. Draw your initial beeswax lines. ukrainiangiftshop.com
With its high melting point, beeswax solidifies
almost as soon as it’s drawn and won’t smear. That Susan M. Brackney is an avid crafter and the author of The Lost
means the beeswax-covered portions of your egg Soul Companion and its sequel, The Not-So-Lost Soul Companion.
