Many Ukrainian bookstores carry books, dyes and tools for making pysanky. You can also order supplies directly from Ukrainian EggCessories and use coupon code CHICKEN10 for 10% off your order.

Ukrainian Chicken pysanky can be purchased in Toronto at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch and at Koota Ooma.

Pysanky can last decades if cared for properly. Typically, the eggshells are emptied, cleaned thoroughly and finished pysanky are coated with a UV protective gloss coating. They are best displayed out of direct sunlight to prevent colours from fading, and should be carefully wiped occasionally to prevent dust from settling. Since they are made out of real eggshells, they are delicate and should be handled with care.

I do not offer workshops at this time. To book or attend a pysanka workshop, please contact Folk Camp (a non-profit organization that provides programming dedicated to preserving folk traditions), or Ukrainian Arts TO for fundraising events for Ukraine.

www.pysanky.info is a great place to start, packed with history, references and links! Visit a Ukrainian bookstore to pick up supplies and books.

Pysanka is the singular form, it means only one egg.
Pysanky is the plural form of pysanka.

Copying another artist's design can be a wonderful way to learn, be inspired, and get ideas.

Traditional pysanka designs which have been around for centuries, fall outside the realm of copyright. In fact, older, traditional designs are intended to be passed on through generations and represent the many ethnographic regions of Ukraine.

“Diasporan” or sometimes called “avtorski” pysanky are original pysanka designs, often rooted in folk motifs and designs, that were created by diasporan Ukrainians. They are the culmination of an artist’s creativity, research, unique style, decades of honing skills, and hours of development. Their intellectual property should be respected.

It is always OK to request permission from a pysanka artist if you’d like to try or are inspired by one of their designs. I encourage novice writers to seek out books and resources about pysanky to engage their creativity and learn the process, or roll up their sleeves and create their own unique pysanka designs. The creative potential of this artform is infinite.