Писанкарсктво
Pysankarstvo
The Art (and Science) of Writing Pysanky
Pysankarstvo is the art of writing 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 writing pysanky.
I have been writing 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:
Writing Pysanky: The Basics
You can read about the basics here. It is probably the best place for beginners to start. What will you find?
Basic 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 writing 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
These photos used to be split between the Download section and My Pysanky. I’ve consolidated them her to reduce duplication, and make things easier to find. I have all my annual “group photos” and other nice photos of groupings of pysanky.
Screensavers
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 writing 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
Anatomy of a Stylus: the parts of a stylus and their names and functions
The Parts of a Stylus and their names
The Reservoir and Tip (Non-electric)
The Reservoir and Tip (Electric)
Traditional Styluses: traditional styled styluses
Wooden: traditional styluses with a wooden handle
Plastic: traditional styled (non-electric) styluses with plastic handles
Other Styluses: other non-electric tools for writing pysanky
Drop-Pull Styluses: styluses used for drop-pull
Calligraphic Pens: adaptive use of existing tools
Electric Styluses: modern electric styluses
Wax Arts: the first commercial electric styluses
Larry’s: a cork-handled variation
EggCessories: a Canadian variation
Luba’s (UGS): a new hybrid
Types of Dyes
Crepe Paper Dyes
Commercially Available Dyes
Preparing Dyes
Storing Dyes
Containers for Dyes
Maintenance of Dyes
Dye Problems and Their Solutions
Creating Pastel Dyes
Creating Custom Colors (Color Theory)
Preparing Natural 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.
Finding the Top and Bottom of an Egg
Tips and Techniques of Wax Application
Brown Egg Pysanky
Dyeing Basics
Dye Theory
Special Situations
Dyeing Duck Eggs
Dyeing Goose Eggs
Dyeing Ostrich Eggs
Advanced Dyeing Techniques
Detergents (e.g. Simple Green)
Dyeing Problems and Their Solutions
Touching Up
Varnishing
About varnishes
Varnishing your pysanka
Drying Racks for your pysanka
Emptying
Emptying out your pysanka
Making your own “turbo” Blas-Fix
Rinsing out your pysanka
Draining your pysanka
Preservation
Preservation methods
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 writing, 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 home page.
Back to Pysanka Index.
