I didn't do it in the usual way. Normally, pysanky eggs are lots of gorgeous, rich colors with intricate, traditional designs on them.
I wanted to play with the tools and just dyed this egg one color after applying the hot wax. This is a duck egg I bought on eBay. I did a lot of things differently than is "traditional". The egg is a blown out egg and they don't sink in the dye, so I filled it with salt and sealed the hole with wax. I didn't use any method of making it geometric, didn't draw on the design before I started and I certainly didn't have a very steady hand. I did it all free hand. I need to try my finer point kistka and have a lot to learn about the wax and it's properties. It's NOT very forgiving! Good Grief! If any Ukranians see this, I'll have a lot of 'splainin' to do!
But here's my first go.
Front side
Back side
This is a fabulous first attempt. Trust me on that. I'm amazed. Your dye is so vibrant. What did you use?
ReplyDeleteI used some packets I got on eBay. I left the egg in the dye about 10-15 minutes. It was one pack of dye to 1 1/4 C. boiling water and 1 Tbsp. of white vinegar. Then you let the dye cool to room temp before you use it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment, I needed that! LOL I was thinking it was rather BA-A-A-A-A-AD!! LOL It's fun tho and I can't wait to do another one! I'm hoping to see yours too!!!
I think it's beautiful - I love it even more because you can tell it's homemade. Keep going Ginni girl, that is so pretty and seems like it would be fun.
ReplyDeleteFiwa...I make it look homemade on purpose...when you make anything, you have to incorporate mistakes so you don't anger the gods with perfection! Um...yeah, that's it!
ReplyDeleteActually that's a belief my grandmother told me the Navajo had when they made rugs, etc. (No, my grandmother wasn't a Navajo but was quite the connoisseur of Navajo artwork).
To me it's a good reason to explain why my art is never perfect...and it works! I just don't want to anger the gods!
Okay, so maybe that's not it! hahaha
I think you did a fabulous job. It looks far too intricate for me--I don't have a great steady hand any more. Just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAiyana
Hi Ginni. (I finally have an account so I can comment!) I love the egg. I think it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
Welcome Ruth!! It's good to see you! Thanks for the nice words!!
ReplyDeleteAiyana, good to see you too. Thanks so much! I am a bit shaky and wish I could make a geometric pattern without using a straight edge! I'll get the hang of it. I've heard it takes many eggs to get it right! :)
Well, I think it is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAs a school librarian, let me reccomment a children's book you might enjoy--Rechenka's Egg by Patrica Polacco. Polacco has a couple of others that include pysanky, but I don't remember which titles.