How to Make Ukrainian Easter Eggs, aka Psanky

You may have seen exquisitely decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs called Psanky and wondered how on earth anyone could get such detailed design and an array of colors onto a simple eggshell. Some of these are not just "crafts" but truly works of art, rivaling the gorgeous Faberge eggs of Tsarist Russia in their design and craftsmanship. But I learned that anyone with time, patience and lots of practice can make these in their own homes. Even fairly young children can learn the basics, and this is a fun family craft.

Many years ago my mother and I took a Psanky class together, offered at what was then called "Bismarck Junior College" but is now Bismarck State College. It was part of their community classes of life-long learning, and taught by an elderly Ukrainian woman who had been making Psanky since she was a child. It was a day-long workshop, and I recommend taking a class or workshop to anyone who is serious about Psanky. There are some great books and websites available, but real one-on-one time, and hands-on help, makes this craft much easier to do.

Psanky have been made in Eastern Europe since before the time of Christ; they originally represented springtime, and the return of life and new growth to the earth. It's understandable, then, that Christ's death and resurrection gave a new meaning to this ancient art. But those who do it say that it isn't restricted just to the Easter season; you can make Psanky for any occasion: a gift for a new child, a Christmas ornament, or even a wedding gift, as one of my photos shows. That is an egg my mother and I made for my sister's wedding in 1990. It isn't as detailed as many Psanky, but then, we hadn't been doing it for a lifetime!