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2010 Workshops

  • Joan Brander has been conducting Pysanky Workshops since 1991
  • Workshops in 2010:
    • European Festival - Saturday, May 29, 2010, Burnaby
    • Ukrainian Community Society - Friday, May 5, 2010, Richmond (call 604-295-0693)
    • Ukrainian Community Society - Saturday May 6, 2010, Richmond (call 604-295-0693)
    • Willowbrook Mall - March 12, 13 and 14, 2010, Langley
    • Arbutus Shopping Centre - March 20, 2010, Vancouver
    • Lougheed Mall - April 1, 2 and 3, 2010, Burnaby
    • check back for more!
  • phone 604-275-8169 or email workshops@babasbeeswax.com for more information
  • Scroll down this page, or select any of the following links for more information about her Workshops:
Workshops in Schools

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Workshops That Work
Looking for a unique way to energize your class? Your students' eyes will sparkle as they discover the magic of the colourful eggs known as "Pysanky" in Ukrainian folk-art. This fascinating workshop is a teacher's dream. Brimming with innovative ideas and sensational teaching aids, this valuable hands-on experience teaches not only technique and tradition but also history and culture. A Ukrainian Pysanky workshop integrates with multicultural and language arts, social studies, math and science. A must for students in all grade levels K to 12, workshops are designed to accommodate up to 35 students. You provide the classroom—Joan will take care of everything else.

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • Christmas Holiday Design

How Pysanky are Made
Empty eggshells are decorated with motifs in the technique known as "wax resist". Traditional symbols, designs and patterns are applied with melted beeswax using a tool called a kistka. Eggs are dipped into successively darker dye baths. At the end of the process the beeswax is melted off to reveal a dazzling display of colour. Finally, the Pysanky are varnished to protect the shell and to prevent the colours from fading.

Designed for Busy Teachers
  • all materials are provided
  • each student has his/her own tools
  • technique is explained and demonstrated in a simple manner
  • easy, well thought out, step-by-step instructions
  • teaching aids (visual, auditory, sensory, etc.)
  • creativity is encouraged with examples and choices
  • children use eggs that have been emptied, rinsed and sealed
  • Pysanky are varnished which adds to their strength and beauty
Half-Day Workshops at a glance
  -introduction 05 min  
  -video presentation 15 min  
  -description of tools 10-15 min  
  -demonstration/safety 10-15 min  
  -technique 20-30 min  
  -recess 20 min  
  -technique 40-60 min  
  -conclusion (folk legends, Q&A) balance  
Studio Workshops
  • cartons of eggs stand at the ready - it's dyeing time at our monthly egg decorating workshops
  • making Pysanky has never been so easy or affordable
  • beginners are welcome
  • please pre-register by calling Joan Brander at 604-275-8169
  • a variety of techniques and designs is explored every month:
    • basic wax resist
    • Trypillian designs
    • stained glass (or wax embossed)
    • holiday designs
    • bleaching technique
    • new techniques and designs
    • leaf blocking
    • teardrop eggs
    • beaded eggs
    • scratch-carved eggs
    • non-traditional designs
Where:
All workshops are held in our studio at
3591 Springfield Drive, Richmond, B.C.
When:
the second Tuesday of every month
Time:
from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost:
$20 per person (all materials provided)

If you think that egg decorating is just for Easter, THINK AGAIN!
Workshop Kits
  • making pysanky is easy and fun for all grade levels
  • many of the supplies needed can be easily collected from home or school
  • order your specialty supplies from Baba's Beeswax by mail, phone, fax or e-mail
  • items marked with * may need to be replaced or replenished yearly
  • Baba’s Beeswax suggests the following supplies be acquired for a Pysanky Workshop in the classroom:
Essential Items for Each Student

1 Beeswax*

-
use only pure beeswax (coloured beeswax is easy to see)
-
1 beeswax block will make many Pysanky

1 Candle*

-
use long-burning candles (many types burn too quickly)

1 Candleholder

-
use stable candleholders that will not tip over

1 Cleaning Wire

-
removes unwanted debris from funnel of kistka

1 Egg*

-
fresh eggs work best
-
use either whole raw or emptied
-
many types of eggs can be used (i.e. brown, chicken, goose, duck, ostrich)

1 Kistka

-
use wooden handled ones for beginners (plastic handles can melt rendering the kistka unuseable)
-
use size medium to begin with
-
will last indefinitely if handled properly

1 Metal or Rubber Jar Ring

-
prevents egg from rolling off table surface

1 Paper Cup*

-
transports your Pysanka home safely

1 Pencil

-
use to make guidelines on eggs
-
discourage the use of erasers

Additional Essential Items to Share Among 5 Students

1 Instruction Pamphlet

-
includes coloured diagrams, helpful hints, important information and sample designs

5 Dyes*

-
recommended colours for traditional basic design are yellow, light green (accent colour), orange, red and black)
-
each dye makes about 1-1/2 cups
-
dyes can be used from year to year
-
will last indefinitely if stored properly

5 Dye Jars

-
use 1 sturdy jar for each colour
-
use jars that seal

5 Jars (small)

-
use to weigh down your empty eggs under the dye
-
optional

5 Spoons

-
plastic spoons work well

-

use slotted spoons to lessen dye spillage

Tissues*

-
use to pat dry the eggs and to wipe away melted beeswax
-
anything absorbent, such as paper towels, also work
Paper*
-
protect your working surface

Additional Essential Items for Entire Class

Drying Board

-
use to rest eggs safely, to melt beeswax using the oven method and to dry varnished eggs
-
1 drying board will hold 15 Pysanky

Disposable Gloves*

-
use with dyes and/or varnish

Matches*

-
use caution when lighting candles
-
keep out of reach of children

Super Sheen*

-
this varnish is clear, glossy and non-yellowing
-

some types of varnish or urethane are water soluble and will make the dyes on your Pysanky "run"

Q-Tips*

-
use to apply accent colours (such as green)

Vinegar*

-
required to make and replenish dyes
-
acts as a setting agent for the dyes
-
do not add vinegar to orange dye

Recommended Optional Items

Books

-
Pysanky on Paper: An Activity Book for Children
-
various fiction and non-fiction titles are available

Egg Blower or Egg Vac

-
empty eggshells are easy to work with and are less likely to break
-
empty eggshells can be repaired if cracked (full eggs can't)
-
eggs can be emptied either before or after dyeing

Model Pysanky

-
an excellent teaching aid that shows and explains the steps for making Pysanky

Video

-
shows directions and explains the myth and magic of Pysanky

The Following Optional Items would greatly enhance the workshop kit but excluding them will not lessen the effectiveness of the activity

Display Board

-
a superior visual teaching aid, especially for hearing or sight impaired students

Posters

-
a colourful collage of Pysanky is an excellent teaching aid

Jigsaw Puzzle

-
this teaching aid can be enjoyed year after year by children of all ages

Books (non-fiction)

-
excellent source of information on technique, history, culture and tradition

Books (fiction)

-
children of all ages enjoy stories about Pysanky

Egg Stands

-
display you Pysanky proudly and safely

Activity Books

-
teaches symbolism, through easy colouring, drawing, reading, writing, math and science involving Pysanky

Additional Dye Colours

-
there are 17 vibrant colours available

Additional Kistka

-
there are 4 sizes available (heavy, medium, fine and extra fine)

Kits

-
enjoy making your own Pysanky at home with an affordable kit
-
these make excellent gifts for children and adults alike
-
kits are great for Pysanky Parties!

Postcards

-
these teaching aids show beautiful Pysanky in full colour

Templates

-
a tool for advanced techniques

Egg Lathe

-

this useful tool for advanced techniques helps make straight lines every time



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