This wonderfully, elaborate batik egg was made using the traditional Pysanky wax and dye process on a real blown ostrich egg, which is sealed with a coat of protective, crystal clear finish. It measures approximately 5 1/2 inches tall.
The project begins by hand sanding the egg until it is silky smooth, removing all the bumps and grooves and also reveals a deeper, chaulkier layer of the egg that will allow the dyes to take more evenly and with greater intensity. The egg is divided into sections and the design penciled in. The egg is dipped into the different colored dyes and the color is sealed with hot beeswax applied with tools called kistky. Etching of the design to create a 3 dimensional feel is achieved using acetic acid (vinegar) that eats away at the shell, creating borders and depth. The final step is to remove the wax to reveal the design and varnish the egg to protect it and give is a wonderful shine.
"Kerman Stars" is the latest installment in the "Persian Rug" series of eggs. The design features four magnificent octagonal medallions surrounded by sweeping vines and flowers. The details are quite remarkable on this egg and a close up view is the only real way to appreciate the finer elements. To see more of my work, please visit my website http://www.sojeo.com.
The project begins by hand sanding the egg until it is silky smooth, removing all the bumps and grooves and also reveals a deeper, chaulkier layer of the egg that will allow the dyes to take more evenly and with greater intensity. The egg is divided into sections and the design penciled in. The egg is dipped into the different colored dyes and the color is sealed with hot beeswax applied with tools called kistky. Etching of the design to create a 3 dimensional feel is achieved using acetic acid (vinegar) that eats away at the shell, creating borders and depth. The final step is to remove the wax to reveal the design and varnish the egg to protect it and give is a wonderful shine.
"Kerman Stars" is the latest installment in the "Persian Rug" series of eggs. The design features four magnificent octagonal medallions surrounded by sweeping vines and flowers. The details are quite remarkable on this egg and a close up view is the only real way to appreciate the finer elements. To see more of my work, please visit my website http://www.sojeo.com.
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Paper towels can scratch the finish, and cloth washes out in hot water.
Candles sometimes leave soot on the egg, especially if the wax is thick.
This egg sold for $1600 on eBay a couple weeks ago. Thanks for your question.
Is there a way to put more steps? Showing exactly how to do it? I can't figure it out. The photos are great, but for anyone who doesn't understand the steps in between, like me, and it's really hard to get to do it.
Thanks!
I think that this instructable would be more for those that are already familiar with the process, an advanced design. In order to really show you the steps actually step-by-step it would be best shown on a smaller egg, like a chicken egg with a very basic design. There were so many steps involved with this egg that there was no way that I could document it all, it took me over 3 weeks full-time work, 8-10 hours per day to create it.
I do have photos of a simpler design, if I get the chance I will post the pictures for that one also.
Thanks!
So Jeo
Is this the same as Ukrainian egg decorating?
Learn something new everyday.
Thank you...
I used to do Pysanky eggs, (many years ago, 30 plus) but I used a candle, didn't even knew they had electric ones! Wow!
Now you got me thinking, I may want to re-enter this hobby, only this time - Electric!!
I'm going to show your instructable to my baba the next time I see her, I'm sure she'd love to look at these pictures :)