SOfikA

A pysanka is created using the batik wax-resistance technique. The process begins with a "kistka" - a stylus made of a copper funnel attached to a wooden stick. Pure beeswax is scraped into the funnel and melted in a candle flame. Using the kistka, the melted wax is applied onto areas of the white egg. The wax hardens instantly on the shell. The egg is then dipped into a jar of yellow dye. The egg shell becomes yellow except for the areas covered by the hardened wax. They will remain white once the wax is removed at the end of the complete dyeing process. Melted wax is subsequently applied to areas of the yellow-colored shell that are to remain yellow. This waxing and dying process is repeated with progressively darker colors of orange, red, brown and black, until the egg is dipped into the darkest color. By holding the egg close to the flame, the wax melts, colors reappear, and a pysanka is born.