Turning Back the Pages to the 2008 Pysanka Symposium in Washington, DC

The dawn of a new year is a good time to reflect on the past and make dreams for the future. Tomorrow is New Years Eve according to the Julian calendar, and for the team of pysanky experts at Baba's Beeswax it brings back memories of the First Pysanka Symposium in Washington, DC eleven years ago. It was an engaging immersive retreat for pysanka enthusiasts from all over North America. Pysanky specialists, lobbyists and collectors gathered for the opportunity to meet other pysanka artists, experience presentations from guest speakers and celebrate the art of pysankarstvo. Perhaps it was the catalyst for other cities like Vancouver and Toronto who are now following suit with their own events.

Did you attend the symposium? What memories of it do you have? 

Here are several places to check out videos, photos, and links. Do you recognize any people in these images?

1. this link for the newpaper article with photos from The Ukrainian Weekly (No. 17 April 27, 2008) by Olenka and Jurij Dobczansky

2. a photo montage on our YouTube Channel. Check it out here in the Events Playlist and remember to share it

3. if you're a fan of photo albums, we have two on our flickr platform here:

• book launch
• symposium

The symposium included the following topics:

Creation, Tradition, Dissemination

• Jurij Dobczansky – welcoming remarks
• Dr. Andrew Sorokowski – introduction of speakers
• Helen Badulak – the life of a pysanka artist
• Joan Brander – author’s presentation About the Pysanka : It Is Written!
• the late Orysia Paszczak Tracz – the new and old in a new land, the pysanka in North America: from the sublime to the ridiculous

Creation, Collection, Preservation, Exhibition

• Dr. Anrij Hornjatkevyc – Damian Hornjatkevyc’s pysanka collection
• Lubow Wolynetz – pysanky: collecting and exhibiting

Book Launch – author Joan Brander

Paths to the Pysanka Exhibit

• Luba Chornodolsky, Baltimore, MD
• Jurij Dobczansky, Silver Spring, MD
• Olha Kurylas, Wheaton, MD
• Lesia Mandzia, Arlington, VA
• Ihor Masnyk, Potomac, MD
• Nadia O’Shea, Chester, MD
• Ihor Slabicky, Portsmouth, RI
• Sofika Zielyk, New York, NY

Tools for the Pysanka Exhibit

• Ulana Kushnir and her father the late Wasyl Ohar, developer of the electric kistka

 25^th Annual Pysanka Workshop, Easter Bazaar and Luncheon

• Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family
• Divine Liturgy
• Easter Bazaar and Luncheon
• Workshop

We wish you a prosperous and joyful year in 2019! 

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

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Our YouTube Channel

Visit our website for pysanky kits, supplies and books published by Baba’s Beeswax:

http://www.babasbeeswax.com

Seasonal Greetings from Guy Kistka – January 6 Ukrainian Christmas Eve

Tonight we will honour and remember the rich traditions celebrated by our ancestors.

Guy Kistka will join other children for Christmas carols (koliadky) in the likes of an ancient folk opera: one carrying a lighted six-pointed star; another dressed as a goat; while others prepared to collect gifts that people will give them.

Later today children will look for the first star in the sky, another ancient ritual, to indicate that it’s time for the Holy Supper (Svyata Vechera) of 12 lenten dishes.

See his greeting here:  https://youtu.be/PAJJlvP2Im0

Guy and the team of pysanky experts at Baba’s Beeswax wish that the magic of Christmas Eve leave its richest blessing in the hearts of you and yours.

Visit our website to discover the magic of pysanky kits, supplies and books published by Baba’s Beeswax:

http://www.babasbeeswax.com

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

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http://iluvpysanky.blogspot.com/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Seasonal Greetings from Guy Kistka – December 25 Merry Christmas

This is the favourite season of our playful mascot, Guy Kistka, as he can really show his true character. After all he’s a personal friend of Santa! He’s a kid at heart and loves kids, and this is a winning combination. But he also takes time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Guy and the team of pysanky experts at Baba’s Beeswax wish everyone an enjoyable and safe holiday season.

Click here to see his animated greeting onYouTube: 

Seasonal Greetings from Guy Kistka - December 25 Merry Christmas

Visit our website to discover the magic of pysanky kits, supplies and books published by Baba’s Beeswax:

http://www.babasbeeswax.com

Santa If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

http://iluvpysanky.blogspot.com/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Santa Loves Christmas

Seasonal Greetings from Guy Kistka – December 24 Christmas Eve

The biblical Magi, also referred to as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings, were distinguished foreigners who travelled to Bethlehem to visit Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They are regular figures in accounts of the nativity celebrations of Christmas and are an important part of Christian traditions.

Our whimsical mascot Guy Kistka and the team of pysanky experts at Baba’s Beeswax wish that the magic of Christmas Eve brings its richest blessing in the hearts of friends, fans and followers.

See his greeting here:  https://youtu.be/odgqBNo1Oxk

 

Visit our website to discover the magic of pysanky kits, supplies and books published by Baba’s Beeswax:

http://www.babasbeeswax.com

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

http://iluvpysanky.blogspot.com/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Seasonal Greetings from Guy Kistka – December Winter Solstice

It’s the longest day of the year and our playful mascot, Guy Kistka, is having as much fun as he can—with the time honoured sport of gliding down the slopes on a toboggan. Later, if he has enough energy he’ll put on his skates or snow shoes, skis or mukluks! He’s enjoying the snow because it won’t last long.

Guy and the team of pysanky experts at Baba’s Beeswax wish everyone an enjoyable and safe holiday season.

Click here to see his animated greeting onYouTube: 

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Our YouTube Channel

Visit our website for pysanky kits, supplies and books published by Baba’s Beeswax:

http://www.babasbeeswax.com

Seasonal Greetings from Guy Kistka – Happy Hanukkah

Our whimsical mascot Guy Kistka joins friends as they bring light, joy, and warmth to homes and communities as Hanukkah is celebrated with lighting of the menorah, singing songs, and playing dreidel. Like the team of pysanky experts at Baba’s Beeswax, he enjoys seconds (maybe thirds, too) of those delicious potato latkes!

We wish you a festival of lights . . . . sparkling with fun and lit up with smiles.

Share this video:

https://youtu.be/-d4pqH5iimM

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Our YouTube Channel

Visit our website to discover the magic of pysanky kits, supplies and books published by Baba’s Beeswax:

http://www.babasbeeswax.com

Ostrich Pysanky - Decorating Ostrich Eggs the Ukrainian Way

This is a book that addresses some of the unique challenges of working with ostrich eggs. They’re SO BIG! Have you tried one?

Check out this link to our Pysanka Power Video Clip published on our Baba's Beeswax YouTube Channel for a book preview that flips through the pages:

[ click here to go to our Pysanka Power Video Clip on YouTube ]

Especially useful are the chapters dedicated to suitable containers, amount of dye to use, submerging the ostrich egg, sealing the hole and holding the ostrich egg while decorating.

We think it is an eggs-cellent source of information to buy on its own or to add to your collection. If you have any questions about it, please ask us.

Design Pamphlet previewed on Pysanka Power Video Clips

We were proud and honoured to feature this book in About the Pysanka : It Is Written! A Bibliography by Joan Brander (Joan Brander. Richmond, BC: Baba's Beeswax, 2007. ISBN 9781897253144).

http://www.babasbeeswax.com/AboutTheBook.htm

Visit our website to discover the magic  of pysanky kits, supplies, this book, eBooks, and other books published by Baba’s Beeswax: http://www.babasbeeswax.com 

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

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'Twas the Night Before Christmas and other bedtime reading: This Was the Day! A Ukrainian Easter Story

A delightful story book to tuck into the stocking hung by the chimney with care. Don’t forget the cookies and chocolate milk (or wine and cheese).

Check out this link to our Pysanka Power Video Clip published on our Baba's Beeswax YouTube Channel for a book preview that flips through the pages:

[ click here to go to our Pysanka Power Video Clip on YouTube ]

In this story author Ann Kmit tells us of little Katia who learns how to make pysanky from her mother. This short story is woven in beautiful poetry and 23 pages of colorful illustrations by Phyllis Haywa. Perfect for story time, especially as an introduction of pysanky to kindergarten children. It’s just the right size for little hands (6” x 9” / 15cm x 23 cm).

We think it is an eggs-cellent source of information to buy on its own or to add to your collection. If you have any questions about it, please ask us.

Children’s Story Book previewed on Pysanka Power Video Clips

We were proud and honoured to feature this book in About the Pysanka : It Is Written! A Bibliography by Joan Brander (Joan Brander. Richmond, BC: Baba's Beeswax, 2007. ISBN 9781897253144).

http://www.babasbeeswax.com/AboutTheBook.htm

Visit our website to discover the magic of pysanky kits, supplies, this book, eBooks, and other books published by Baba’s Beeswax: http://www.babasbeeswax.com 

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Seasonal Video Clip from Guy Kistka – November Remembrance Veterans Day

Remembrance Day or Veterans Day is recognized on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. It marks the end of hostilities during the First World War and an opportunity to recall all those have served in the nation’s defence.

The team of pysanky experts at Baba’s Beeswax will take time out today to attend a Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph in our community. Our playful mascot, Guy Kistka, takes time out from his usual pranks and antics, to stop during a 21 gun salute to pay respect to those who have fallen. Lest we forget.

Click here to see his animated greeting on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz_s9yNrBwA

Visit our website to discover the magic of pysanky kits, supplies and books published by Baba’s Beeswax:

http://www.babasbeeswax.com

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

http://iluvpysanky.blogspot.com/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Unique Christmas Gift: A Kid's Guide to Decorating Ukrainian Easter Eggs

‘Tis the season for giving—books, that is! And getting ready for (or longing for) spring! For the kid in all of us here’s a book to get you started (or inspired or motivated).

Check out this link to our Pysanka Power Video Clip published on our Baba's Beeswax YouTube Channel for a book preview that flips through the pages:

[ click here to go to our Pysanka Power Video Clip on YouTube ]

We think this book is a misnomer, because we find that the author, Natalie Perchyshyn, provides useful information for all ages and levels of experience! But hey, if your kids or grandkids can have a pysanky book of their own to cherish, we’re all in favour!
The 48 pages with 14 chapters in this spiral-bound book contain easy to follow instructions with clear, full-colour illustrations. Show off your beautiful work and never be afraid of an egg again!

We think it is an eggs-cellent source of information to buy on its own or to add to your collection. If you have any questions about it, please ask us.

Children’s Design Book previewed on Pysanka Power Video Clips

We were proud and honoured to feature this book in About the Pysanka : It Is Written! A Bibliography by Joan Brander (Joan Brander. Richmond, BC: Baba's Beeswax, 2007. ISBN 9781897253144).

http://www.babasbeeswax.com/AboutTheBook.htm

Visit our website to discover the magic of  pysanky kits, supplies, this book, eBooks, and other books published by Baba’s Beeswax: http://www.babasbeeswax.com 

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Seasonal Greetings from Guy Kistka – Trick or Treat

Our whimsical mascot Guy Kistka loves all the jack-o-lantern batik eggs made at this time of year to add to the Hallowe’en decor. Do you have any photos of yours to share? He loves to go door-to-door on October 31^st for tricks and treats dressed up as Batman!

Guy and the team of pysanky experts at Baba’s Beeswax wish everyone a safe adventure on this spooky night.

Share this video:

https://youtu.be/NF8qAf2RnrA

Visit our website to discover the magic of pysanky kits, supplies and books published by Baba’s Beeswax:

http://www.babasbeeswax.com

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Our YouTube Channel

Crazy about Pysanky Christmas Gift Idea: Pysanky in the 21st Century

It’s getting ever closer to Christmas, and we don’t want to miss telling you about another great present idea for you or for someone you know. Are you crazy about pysanky? Know someone who is?

Check out this link to our Pysanka Power Video Clip published on our Baba's Beeswax YouTube Channel for a book preview that flips through the pages:

[ click here to go to our Pysanka Power Video Clip on YouTube ]

We met the author of Pysanky in the 2st Century, Helen Badulak, at the 2008 Pysanka Symposium in Washington, DC. She had a beautiful display of her work and spoke eloquently at the event.

[ click here to go to 2008 Pysanka Symposiumand Book Launch in Washington, DC on YouTube ]

The book is full of gorgeous photography! She acknowledges that she put together this design book not only to preserve her original designs and color combinations for future pysanky artists, but also to uplift the spirit of each person who flips through its pages. Especially noticeable is the voluminous ostrich pysanky she has created.

This book is a huge 230 pages with dimensions of 11" x 8.75" x .75". We love it and so will you!

Design Book previewed on Pysanka Power Video Clips

We were proud and honoured to feature this book in About the Pysanka : It Is Written! A Bibliography by Joan Brander (Joan Brander. Richmond, BC: Baba's Beeswax, 2007. ISBN 9781897253144).

http://www.babasbeeswax.com/AboutTheBook.htm

Visit our website to discover the magic of pysanky kits, supplies, this book, eBooks, and other books published by Baba’s Beeswax: http://www.babasbeeswax.com 

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Christmas Gift Idea for those covered in wax ‘n’ dyes: Eggs Beautiful - How to Make Ukrainian Easter Eggs

It doesn’t have to be a lazy summer day to while away reading a book. A fuzzy blanket and hot cup of tea on a comfy chair might be all you need to read something more inspirational like a Ukrainian Easter egg design book. Here’s a colourful book to inform and motivate you.

Check out this link to our Pysanka Power Video Clip published on our Baba's Beeswax YouTube Channel for a book preview that flips through the pages:

[ click here to go to our Pysanka Power Video Clip on YouTube ]

The first part of the book focuses on legends, customs and symbols. Then the authors Johanna Luciow, Ann Kmit,  and Joanna Luciow, and Loretta Luciow take you step-by-step through the process of making your pysanky from choosing your eggs, creating your design, to finally displaying and storing them. Black and  white diagrams complemented with 12 color pages of beautifully decorated eggs for you to be inspired by. Trypillian designs are included. This book is soft cover comprising 96 pages.

We think it is an eggs-cellent source of information to buy on its own or to add to your collection. If you have any questions about it, please ask us.

Design Book previewed on Pysanka Power Video Clips

We were proud and honoured to feature this book in About the Pysanka : It Is Written! A Bibliography by Joan Brander (Joan Brander. Richmond, BC: Baba's Beeswax, 2007. ISBN 9781897253144).

http://www.babasbeeswax.com/AboutTheBook.htm

Visit our website to Discover the Magic of pysanky kits, supplies, this book, eBooks, and other books published by Baba’s Beeswax: http://www.babasbeeswax.com 

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/

Make Christmas Shopping a Breeze: Ukrainian Easter Egg Design Book 6

Just 8 weeks ‘till Christmas (sorry we have to remind you J). Why not consider a book? Especially one that is inspirational for Ukrainian Easter eggs. Try and find one of those in your local book store! Don’t worry. We can help.

Check out this link to our Pysanka Power Video Clip published on our Baba's Beeswax YouTube Channel for a book preview that flips through the pages:

[ click here to go to our Pysanka Power Video Clip on YouTube ]

 To date this is the most recent of the series of Ukrainian Easter egg design books by Natalie Perchyshyn. A soft cover treasure trove of 115 pages, it's chock full of advice and instructions for 24 colour designs from beginner to advanced including topics such as Getting Started, Tools and Materials, Basic Divisions in Pencil, the Process and Helpful Information, Step-by-Step Designs, Glossary and Symbolism.

It features 3 goose egg designs, 3 trypillian designs, and a terrific variety of 18 eye-catching traditional designs all created by the publisher's founder, Luba Perchyshyn.

We think it is an eggs-cellent source of information to buy on its own or to add to your collection. If you have any questions about it, please ask us.

Design Book previewed on Pysanka Power Video Clips

 We were proud and honoured to feature this book in About the Pysanka : It Is Written! A Bibliography by Joan Brander (Joan Brander. Richmond, BC: Baba's Beeswax, 2007. ISBN 9781897253144).

http://www.babasbeeswax.com/AboutTheBook.htm

Visit our website to discover the magic of pysanky kits, supplies, this book, eBooks, and other books published by Baba’s Beeswax: http://www.babasbeeswax.com 

If you like what you see, comment below. If you don't please let us know how we can make improvements. We value all feedback.

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/baba-s-beeswax/