Olga's Legacy is dedicated to the Eastern-European art of pysanky; intricately dyed eggs most commonly called Ukrainian eggs.
Pysanky are created using a centuries-old method of wax-resist. Beginning with a white egg, the desired design is lightly drawn. Areas of the design to be white are then protected with beeswax using a tool called a kistka, or stylus. This pencil-like tool has a funnel at one end in which beeswax is melted and then "drawn" onto the egg, protecting the current color. The egg is then dipped in a succession of dye colors, usually light to dark. Each time the egg is dyed a new color, the areas of the egg to remain that color are protected with the wax. Once the egg has been dipped in the final color it is a lumpy and bumpy looking oval. SHOWTIME! Using a candle or oven, the wax is gently melted away revealing glorious colors and designs that were once hidden. Whether novice or expert, there is always a rush of euphoria when the egg is exposed at the end.
Traditonal designs incorporate symbols with religious, nature or farmland themes. There is no limit, however, on what can be done with an egg. Animals, sports team logos (go Red Sox!), personalizations and more can find a home on pysanky.
Learning this art is fun and easy and can be done in a few hours; perfecting your skill will take a bit longer! And unlike many other arts and crafts, pysanky is relatively inexpensive. For less than $50 you can have everything you need - tools, dyes, beeswax and books - to create dozens of eggs. Properly stored, dyes can last a long time. And if a mistake is made, well, you're out the cost of an egg and your time. And any time spent working on pysanky is priceless!