PYSANKY

Pysanky is a traditional egg-decorating technique in the Ukraine which is similar to the technique of batik.  Beautiful, rich decoration on hand-blown eggs is achieved through a process of firstly drawing a design onto the shells, then repeatedly waxing and dyeing the eggs until the design is complete.  The wax layer is removed by melting over a candle flame after the final stage of dyeing, and then the eggs are varnished with a high-gloss varnish.  Traditionally, the eggs were given as gifts and displayed in the home at Easter.