Saving the World with Pysanky at Surrey Museum

On Saturday, August 17, 2013 I had the pleasure of joining my colleagues from Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko (Richmond) and Ukrainian Dulcimer Ensemble (Surrey) at the invitation of Surrey Museum in Cloverdale for its "Discovery Saturday" event celebrating Ukrainian spirit. Program coordinator, Sandra Borger, Public Program Specialist and her capable volunteers showcased a colourful and interactive display of pysanky, music, culture, cuisine, and hands-on activities that enabled patrons to learn about Ukrainian culture and the history of Ukrainian immigrants in the area.

If you're wondering about the huge globe in the forefront of my pysanky display, it's my newest prop to illustrate that as long as pysanky are being made evil shall not prevail over good in the world.

Saving the world one pysanka at a time . . . .

Ethnic clothing from various regions of Ukraine had a prominent display in the lobby.

Shirley Kaspar welcomes a museum patron to the display

Gladys Andreas and her talented troupe performed classic and popular tunes on guitar, dulcimer and accordian.

Ukrainian Dulcimer Ensemble

Ukrainian Community Society displayed books from its collection of classic and contemporary literature, history, culture and art. library.

Val Shevchuk of Ukrainian Community Society

A demonstration of the technique of pysanky is always a popular draw.

Joan Ivanka Brander of Baba's Beeswax

Here is a photo from the Richmond Review on August 21, 2013 taken by Boaz Joseph.

Richmond Review, August 21, 2013

This drop-in activity attracted an enthusiastic audience of all ages. Thank you to everyone for your interest.





 

Superheros Unleashed

BCIT's invitation to staff was to hone super powers and discover new ones as inner superheros were unleashed! This was for the All-Staff Professional Development Day on June 13, 2013.

I was thrilled to meet many of my colleagues and share my passion for pysanky with them. Especially the therapeutic, relaxing, and stress-free aspect that make them so addictive. What a perfect way to spend a work-day!

After delivering the workshop I was humbled to learn that so many of the participants were featured in the fabulous Hidden Passions exhibit showcasing the artistic works of faculty and staff.

For me, the best part of the day was meeting new friends and putting faces to names.  Thanks, BCIT, for investing in our well-being!  Please enjoy these photos.

Sharing Stories

I love pysanky! And would love to hear your stories.

Pysanka by Paul shared a photo of his gorgeous pysanky:

Pysanka by Paul, Edmonton, AB

Tammy shared this with me:

Here are some pics of our projects. We really enjoy pysanky. I am going to take my supplies into my sons grade three class just before Easter so they can try it.

I love the simplicity of the designs, and seeing them brings heart-warming thoughts knowing that they were made by the hands of children. The colors are so vibrant! What a lovely tradition to share with family and friends.

Lou shared this story with me:

I have a soon to be 9-year old making strides in making Pysanky.  I think he does pretty well, considering he first tried his hand 2-years ago and can only work on them when with me.  His soon to be 6-year old brother has announced he will make eggs when he turns 7.  We will see.  He is not the same temperament as his brother. 

I thought this was such an adorable story.  That single word—“announced”—evoked such a cheerful image and brought a smile to my face!  How wonderful to have 2 boys to share this tradition with.  And WOW!  Look at these designs he made one and two years ago!

Here's an email I received from James:

My wife and I made our very first pysanky last year - it was awesome and we cant wait to do it again.  Here's a photo of our first effort.

 

These are gorgeous!  The colors are so bright.  I hope there'll be more coming.

If you think that egg decorating is just for Easter, think again!

People can't stop talking about how amazing a pysanka party is!  

Since 1991 I have coordinated workshops and parties for kids of all ages.  Over the years I collected party ideas and together with my expertise compiled it all in a new book called Pysanka Power! Birthday Party Ideas and Planner.

This book is full of ideas and resources to make your pysanka-themed party a smashing (no pun intended) success.  It's easy, fun and affordable.

Chapters include invitations, decorations, games, cake, snacks, favors, planner and more. Pysanky is fun for a birthday party or any time of year.  If you think that egg decorating is just for Easter, think again!

Just in time for Easter

Happy New Year! Have you broken your new year resolution yet?  I haven't.  Because when I can no longer diet, I simply dye it--and end up with something beautiful to show for it.  I luv pysanky!  And I can't stop talking about how fun it is!

"Pysanka Party" an illustration in watercolour and felt by Marcia Moroz, 2012.

Just in time for Easter, Baba's Beeswax has published its Spring 2013 Newsletter.  Topics include the correct pronunciation of that "hard to say word until you understand its origins and meaning" and beeswax info.

Easter is early this year.  Got to get busy making pysanky.  Happy Egging! 

Pumpkin Pysanky and Pysanky Pumpkins



In 2004 I was inspired by Martha Stewart Living magazine to try my hand at her delightful pumpkin pysanky designs and hung them on a craggy tree branch every October.  That month saw a sudden surge in Halloween workshops and a demand for black, orange and yellow eggshell dye. 



Martha Stewart Living October 2004



These jack-o-lanterns were just too cute to be scary. 



Pumpkins?



And so were the ghosts, spiders and skeletons.



Some years later I created a pysanka design for a miniature pumpkin decorating contest.  Those who know me know that I'm passionate about pysanky, so decorating a pumpkin this way was a no-brainer for me. But it surprised others and the cute little entry garnered a lot of attention.  


Pysanka?

 
Halloween apples?  Tricks or treats?  Yes.  Memories of carrying pillow cases for treats?  Yes. Overturned outhouses?  Yes. Halloween pysanky? No.  Now I'm really showing my age!

It's time to bring out the craggy tree branch and welcome the other cute little jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and goblins who will show up at my door for candy bars!







Knowledge is Power--the Power of Pysanky

Fall means back to school, not only for students but also for teachers!  Now is the time to plan your upcoming pysanky workshops.  This activity is fun for all grade levels K to 12 and integrates with multicultural and language arts, social studies, math and science.

If you're a teacher and haven't received your Newsletter from Baba's Beeswax, here it is.  What's in it for you?  teaching aids, money $aving tips for teachers, word scramble activity for students, and more . . . . All the best for the 2012-2013 school year!

2012 Fall Newsletter

And while I'm at it, here's a repeat of last year's Newsletter full of information, hints and money-saving tips!

2011 Fall Newsletter