Pysanky!!

Eleven gathered in Fellowship Hall on Friday evening, April 3, to dye eggs in both American (natural) and Ukrainian styles. Return participants Barb Thomas, Jackie Kinney and Sara Jones helped Bernadette coach the “newbies” in the different procedures. Newcomers Beverly & Katie Schmitt, Lois Smith, Donna Elkin, Michele & Devin Owen and their friend, Sue, quickly caught on amid much conversation, laughter and song (don’t ask).

Onion skins were used to create the warm amber color of the naturally dyed eggs.  Designs were scratched on to the eggs with a needle (or other sharp objects) after they were cooked with the onions.

Layers of melted beeswax and dye were applied to raw eggs to get the brilliantly colored pysanky.  After they dried, a small hole was drilled into the bottom of the eggs and the insides blown out.

The technique for these eggs was more difficult to master, but everyone is looking forward to getting together earlier next year and setting aside more time for their endeavors.