Christina Deutsch teaches the ancient art where wax and dyes are used to create pysanky, beautiful, decorated eggs. Teaching at the Art Establishment located at 945 Broadway in Bethlehem, Christina has over 40 years of experience making pysanky eggs. When asked why, “It’s relaxing because you have to focus and forget about the world around you,” she says.

Pysanky (plural form of pysanka) is from the Ukrainian word “pysaty”, meaning “to write.” Pysanky eggs are hand-drawn creations – first in pencil using guidelines to section off an egg into a grid pattern, and then with detail within the grid. Afterward, pencil lines are covered with beeswax and layered with colors of dye that results in beautiful eggs.

A tool called a kistka is used to apply the melted beeswax from a funnel onto the eggs. The wax turns black from the carbon in the flame, melts and flows up into the kistka.

Once beeswax is applied to an area, it will seal in the color underneath. Therefore, the beginning lines drawn on a white egg will stay white through the entire process. Each time an egg is dyed and more beeswax is added to that color, the new color is sealed. With this manner of dyeing and waxing, a pattern is created.

There are many different dyes on the market from stores stocking pysanky supplies. Please be aware they are not edible dyes and should not be used to color regular hard-boiled eggs. Dyes are often diluted with hot water and vinegar or granular citric acid, which is added for potency. Be sure to check the directions on the dye packets, as a few colors, like pink and orange, may not need a vinegar boost.

The best routine for a beginner is to start with the lightest color and work toward the darkest. Yellow, orange, red, and black are tried and true colors that have been used since pysanky were first made.

When a design is complete, the egg will be covered with wax and the design will be hard to see, making this step tricky. One way to remove the wax from the egg is to heat the egg with a heat gun or hair dryer on high setting. Wipe off the excess wax with paper towels as it melts away.

More photos appear on page A2.