Писанкарсктво
Pysankarstvo
The Art (and Science) of Making Pysanky
Pysankarstvo is the art of making pysanka. It is a tradition that stretches back to the dawn of Ukrainian history, passed along from generation to generation by a long line of pysankarky.
My web site contains lots of information about all aspects of pysankarstvo. It is an ancient process, using very simple tools and techniques: eggs, beeswax, dyes, a candle, and a simple tool. Modern pysankarky have adapted it to modern technologies, and created modern versions of ancient tools. This section is about the practical aspects of making pysanky.
I have been making pysanky for more than forty years, and have learned a bit about the art along the way. I have met many knowledgeable people along the way who have kindly shared their knowledge with me. In this section I have tried to distill, organize and share that knowledge with you, dear reader (or peruser). Because of my science training, I find that I often approach this topic in a scientific manner.
I have completely revamped and reorganized this section, and written a lot of new material. There is still much, much more to be done. The new scheme of things is such:
Making Pysanky: The Basics
You can read about the basics here. It is probably the best place for beginners to start. What will you find?
Supplies (what you need to get started and then some)
Basic instructions (which have gotten a bit too detailed) are now split into two pages
Step-by-step photos of the making of a pysanka
“Green” Pysanky, or how to decrease your impact on the environment
I used to have my downloads on one page, but there are just so many now that I’ve moved them to their own section, with a series of pages. There are handouts, pattern sheets and informational pamphlets.
General information about pysanky
Traditional Pysanka pattern sheets
I was thinking of calling this the “Science of Pysankarstvo” section, but, looking over the material, realized that it really is mostly chemistry. That, and I was once a chemist (and have the diploma to prove it). I am curious about why things do what they do, and like figuring out the science behind phenomena. These pages are my attempts to do so. This section is still a work in progress, only “Aniline Dyes” has been written and uploaded.
This section is still in progress, but a few page have been written. I have an annotated list of basic supplies, as well a list of “additional” supplies that are useful in the making of pysanky (aka “luxuries”). I will add pages about those pysanka supplies and equipment that could use more elaboration, like styluses, dyes and eggs, and discuss the equipment needed for drop-pull pysanky.
GENERAL
SPECIFIC
Types of Dyes
Crepe Paper Dyes
Commercially Available Dyes
Preparing Dyes
Storing Dyes
Containers for Dyes
This is a large section, and is basically “Advanced Pysankarstvo.” I have taken the step-by step instructions from “The Basic Steps” and expanded them, expounding at length on the minutiae of the process. I not only discuss the way that I make pysanky, but add information that has been passed on to me by other pysanka makers. It is advanced not in the sense of being difficult, but more detailed.
There are many subsections with lots of pages. Many of the pages are just stubs or placeholders. I will eventually have lots of text on all of them, but, for now, I write when I can, and post when I am able.
Selecting a Design
Fire Safety
Finding the Top and Bottom of an Egg
Tips and Techniques of Wax Application
Brown Egg Pysanky
Common Problems
Storing and Displaying Pysanky
This is a newer section about how to design pysanky, i.e. how to actually create the divisions and motifs found on traditional and diasporan pysanky. It is divided into two main areas: standard divisions (and how to draw them) and motifs (and how to draw them).
The divisions section is growing rapidly, thanks to newly acquired Adobe Illustrator skills, and can help you figure out how to create those tricky patterns you see (sorokoklyn, 12 diamonds). I’ve actually done all the drawings for all but one of the divisions, and now just have to get them onto the pages.
Motifs has a very detailed analysis of stars, but not much else yet. The rest will have to wait.
Teaching Pysankarstvo: How to teach pysanka making, whether to a few friends or to a large class. What sort of supplies you’ll need, how to organize them, how to set up your work space, and tips on teaching the craft to various age groups.
This section is under construction, but there is some useful information there.
Preparations:
The Class:
Back to Main Pysanka page
Back to Pysanka Index
