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This Instructable will show you how to make an M.C.Escher-inspired Easter Egg in the traditional Ukrainian style, pysanka .
Pysanka Easter Eggs are created using a wax-resist (batik) technique. The technique allows for very intricate designs, but requires lots of patience! Basically, wax is applied to areas to be kept white. The egg is then dipped in a light colored dye. Wax is then applied to areas that should remain this color. This method is repeated with progressively darker colors until the design is complete. I'll run through all the steps to make the two Escher-inspired eggs shown.
To get started you'll need a few items
* raw egg (You will blow out and discard the egg after dying)
* pencil
* eraser
* kistka - stylus used to apply wax to the egg
* wax
* dyes - various colors prepared following packet instructions
* jars - big enough to fit an egg through the opening
* egg dipper - I made one out of a scrap of coat hanger
* paper towel
* candle
* clear varnish, polyurethane
For hanging egg
* thread
* pin
* toothpick
I picked up pysanka materials from a local Ukrainian Museum . There are several kits that you can buy online for pretty cheap. Just Google "pysanka kit". The kistka, or stylus, come in three sizes: Fine, Medium, and Large. I use almost exclusively the medium stylus.
Pysanka Easter Eggs are created using a wax-resist (batik) technique. The technique allows for very intricate designs, but requires lots of patience! Basically, wax is applied to areas to be kept white. The egg is then dipped in a light colored dye. Wax is then applied to areas that should remain this color. This method is repeated with progressively darker colors until the design is complete. I'll run through all the steps to make the two Escher-inspired eggs shown.
To get started you'll need a few items
* raw egg (You will blow out and discard the egg after dying)
* pencil
* eraser
* kistka - stylus used to apply wax to the egg
* wax
* dyes - various colors prepared following packet instructions
* jars - big enough to fit an egg through the opening
* egg dipper - I made one out of a scrap of coat hanger
* paper towel
* candle
* clear varnish, polyurethane
For hanging egg
* thread
* pin
* toothpick
I picked up pysanka materials from a local Ukrainian Museum . There are several kits that you can buy online for pretty cheap. Just Google "pysanka kit". The kistka, or stylus, come in three sizes: Fine, Medium, and Large. I use almost exclusively the medium stylus.
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Signing UpStep 1Pick your inspiration
This Instructable will show eggs based on two woodcuts by famous Dutch Artist M.C. Escher, "Circle Limit III" and "Fish and Waves"
If you want, pick your own tessellation and map it to the eggs surface.
Modifications
I had to modify the Circle Limit for it to work on the egg. I also modified the colors to make it easier. I removed the waves from "Fish and Waves" to make the design simpler, and added colors.
If you want, pick your own tessellation and map it to the eggs surface.
Modifications
I had to modify the Circle Limit for it to work on the egg. I also modified the colors to make it easier. I removed the waves from "Fish and Waves" to make the design simpler, and added colors.
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Ukrainian painting
Great instructable, btw!
Way to go maurits!