Monday, 26 August 2019
Baba's Beeswax Appreciation Event
A big shout-out to our outstanding pysanky team, volunteers and spouses as Baba’s Beeswax honoured them for all their hard work and support with gifts, an east coast lobster feast, and a powerpoint celebrating our achievements. Isn’t that orange colour glorious? But first—Tom's "how to eat lobster" demonstration. What more can we say. The photos say it all and we hope you enjoy them.
Tuesday, 16 April 2019
Pysanka Power Podcast – Episode 6
As mentioned in an earlier blog, the Pysanka Power Podcast was launched in collaboration with Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio.
- Anchor - https://anchor.fm/joan-brander
- Breaker - https://www.breaker.audio/
- Pocketcasts - https://www.pocketcasts.com/
- itunes - https://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/podcasts/
- Radio Public - https://radiopublic.com/
- Google podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/about
- spotify - https://open.spotify.com/genre/podcasts-page
We're eggs-cited to launch this new initiative for 2019! Pysanka Power Podcast aired weekly on the Vancouver edition of Nash Holos and on internationally syndicated broadcasts to 20 countries around the world on AM, FM, shortwave and satellite radio.
Thanks for listening!
 |
| Saving the world one pysanka at a time . . . . ™ |
We'd love to get your feedback. Please comment below with your impressions, questions, and suggestions for future episodes.
Follow us:
https:/www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums
Friday, 12 April 2019
Pysanka Power Podcast - Episode 5
You'll get how to's, pointers and troubleshooting problems and solutions in this segment.
As mentioned in an earlier blog, the Pysanka Power Podcast was launched in collaboration with Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio.
- Anchor - https://anchor.fm/joan-brander
- Breaker - https://www.breaker.audio/
- Pocketcasts - https://www.pocketcasts.com/
- itunes - https://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/podcasts/
- Radio Public - https://radiopublic.com/
- Google podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/about
- spotify - https://open.spotify.com/genre/podcasts-page
We're eggs-cited to launch this new initiative for 2019! Pysanka Power Podcast airs weekly on the Vancouver edition of Nash Holos Saturdays at 6 pm on AM1320 CHMB or streamed online at www.am1320.com, and Wednesdays at 11 am on CHLY 101.7FM in Nanaimo or online at www.chly.ca. It also airs on the internationally syndicated edition which broadcasts to 20 countries around the world on AM, FM, shortwave and satellite radio.
If you miss the broadcast, you can catch the show at the Nash Holos website www.nashholos.com. You can also get the audio archives and transcripts of the Pysanka Power Podcast at our website BabasBeeswax.com.
|
| Saving the world one pysanka at a time . . . . ™ |
We'd love to get your feedback. Please comment below with your impressions, questions, and suggestions for future episodes.
Follow us:
https:/www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums
Tuesday, 9 April 2019
Pysanka Power Podcast - Episode 4
Episode 4 of the Pysanka Power Podcast is titled Traditional Pysanky Symbols. It discusses how symbols are used, the categories of pysanky symbols, some examples and what they mean. There's so many types. Our favourite is geometric patterns and these are the symbols featured in this Episode.As mentioned in an earlier blog, the Pysanka Power Podcast was launched in collaboration with Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio
- Anchor - https://anchor.fm/joan-brander
- Breaker - https://www.breaker.audio/
- Pocketcasts - https://www.pocketcasts.com/
- itunes - https://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/podcasts/
- Radio Public - https://radiopublic.com/
- Google podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/about
- spotify - https://open.spotify.com/genre/podcasts-page
We're eggs-cited to launch this new initiative for 2019! Pysanka Power Podcast airs weekly on the Vancouver edition of Nash Holos Saturdays at 6 pm on AM1320 CHMB or streamed online at www.am1320.com, and Wednesdays at 11 am on CHLY 101.7FM in Nanaimo or online at www.chly.ca. It also airs on the internationally syndicated edition which broadcasts to 20 countries around the world on AM, FM, shortwave and satellite radio.
If you miss the broadcast, you can catch the show at the Nash Holos website www.nashholos.com. You can also get the audio archives and transcripts of the Pysanka Power Podcast at our website BabasBeeswax.com.
|
| Saving the world one pysanka at a time . . . . ™ |
We'd love to get your feedback. Please comment below with your impressions, questions, and suggestions for future episodes.
Follow us:
https:/www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums
Tuesday, 26 March 2019
Pysanka Power Podcast - Episode 3
The Pysanka Power Podcast is doing fantastic—and helping a lot of people discover and re-discover the magic of Ukrainian Easter eggs. We think Episode 3 will fare the same as you start (or continue) making pysanky before Easter! Practical advice is a common request, especially at this time of year.Are you "dyeing" to learn about pysanky dyes and the colours they produce? If so, then this Episode is for you. It gives an overview of one of the essential tools for writing pysanky. It covers which colours to choose, how to prepare your dyes, how to store them, how long they'll last, tips for using colour in your designs, troubleshooting problems and solutions, and more . . . . And in between there's tips and money-saving hints!
As mentioned in an earlier blog, the Pysanka Power Podcast was launched in collaboration with Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio three weeks ago!
We're eggs-cited to launch this new initiative for 2019! Pysanka Power Podcast airs weekly on the Vancouver edition of Nash Holos Saturdays at 6 pm on AM1320 CHMB or streamed online at www.am1320.com, and Wednesdays at 11 am on CHLY 101.7FM in Nanaimo or online at www.chly.ca. It also airs on the internationally syndicated edition which broadcasts to 20 countries around the world on AM, FM, shortwave and satellite radio.
If you miss the broadcast, you can catch the show at the Nash Holos website www.nashholos.com. You can also get the audio archives and transcripts of the Pysanka Power Podcast at our website BabasBeeswax.com.
|
| Saving the world one pysanka at a time . . . . ™ |
Select this link to go to our website to access all Episodes of the Pysanka Power Podcast.
We'd love to get your feedback. Please comment below with your impressions, questions, and suggestions for future episodes.
We'd love to get your feedback. Please comment below with your impressions, questions, and suggestions for future episodes.
Follow us:
https:/www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums
Sunday, 17 March 2019
Happy St. Paddy's Day
Just having some fun making these batik-style eggs for St. Patrick's Day. This adorable ovoid was decorated in a workshop I was hosting.
Friday, 15 March 2019
Pysanka Power Podcast - Episode 2
Last week we announced the debut of my Pysanka Power Podcast,
launched in collaboration with Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio! It caused a lot of buzzzzz . . .
Listen to Episode 2 on Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio tomorrow,
March 16 (Vancouver), and on Wednesday, March 13 (Nanaimo). It will also air on
the internationally syndicated edition which broadcasts to 20 countries around
the world on AM, FM, shortwave and satellite radio. 
Soon you’ll be able to listen to all the Episodes of my Pysanka
Power Podcast on your favourite platform.
If you miss the broadcast, you can catch the podcast of the show
at the Nash Holos website www.nashholos.com.
As well you can get the audio archives and Transcript of the Pysanka Power Podcast
at my website www.BabasBeeswax.com.
The first six episodes will cover the history, legends, and
symbols of these precious artifacts. On the practical side, with teaching
experience and conducting workshops since 1991, I’ve got more than enough information
on tools and techniques, hints, tips and do it yourself projects to tell you
about.
Last week, in Episode 1, we told you about the origins of this podcast.
Tomorrow, in Episode 2, we’ll tell you about the origins of pysanky and stories
told about them. You may want to curl up on your couch and listen to them.
In future episodes I’ll tell you about everything from technique
to history and symbolism, share more stories, legends and fun activities, and
provide you with resources to help you explore on your own.
Select this link to go to our website to access the Pysanka Power Podcast. I’ll
also post the transcripts there for those who would like to follow along.
And don’t forget, the
first six episodes of the Pysanka Power Podcast will
be broadcast on Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio, from its debut on March 9 until
Easter. Tune in Saturdays at 6pm on AM1320 CHMB or stream online at www.am1320.com, and Wednesdays at 11am on CHLY 101.7FM in Nanaimo or
online at www.chly.ca.
I hope you’ll check out my Pysanka Power Podcast
either on Nash Holos or via my website. If you do, I’d love to get your
feedback. Please comment below with your impressions, questions, and
suggestions for future episodes.
Follow us:
https:/www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums
Saturday, 9 March 2019
Debut of first ever Podcast about Pysanky
We're thrilled to announce the debut of Joan Brander's Pysanka Power Podcast,
launching in collaboration with Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio!
Soon you’ll be able to listen to all the Episodes of our Pysanka
Power Podcast on your favourite platform. You’ll also be able to hear it on
Nash Holos!
Pysanka Power will debut on the Vancouver edition of Nash Holos today and on the Nanaimo edition on Wednesday,
March 13. It will also air on the internationally syndicated edition which
broadcasts to 20 countries around the world on AM, FM, shortwave and satellite
radio.
If you miss the broadcast, you can catch the podcast of the show
at the Nash Holos website www.nashholos.com.
As well you can get the audio archives of the Pysanka Power Podcast at our website BabasBeeswax.com.
|
| Saving the world one pysanka at a time . . . . ™ |
Wondering about the origins of this podcast? For several years, we’ve collaborated on many projects with our talented friend, Paulette MacQuarrie,
who just happens to be the host of Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio. We’ve been
friends for decades!
She’s been podcasting her show Nash Holos since 2001, and for a
long time now has been encouraging us to get going on a podcast of our own on the
topic of pysanky.
Two other things got us motivated as well:
1. We want to keep current with popular social media trends such as
podcasting; and
2. There are no existing podcasts about pysanky!
After several brainstorming sessions, the Pysanka Power Podcast
was born! The first six episodes will cover the history, legends, and symbols
of these precious artifacts. On the practical side, with teaching experience
and conducting workshops since 1991, we’ve got more than enough information on tools
and techniques, hints, tips and do it yourself projects to tell you about.
The inaugural episode goes through the essentials—what supplies
are needed to get started and why they’re needed. In future episodes we’ll tell
you about everything from technique to history and symbolism, share stories, legends
and fun activities, and provide you with resources to help you explore on your
own.
Select this link to go to our website to access the Pysanka Power Podcast. We'll soon have links to
download or stream podcast episodes. As well, there will be a link to subscribe
to the podcast with your favourite podcatcher app. We’ll
also post the transcripts there for those who would like to follow along.
And don’t forget, the
first six episodes of the Pysanka Power Podcast will
be broadcast on Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio, from its debut this Saturday until
Easter. Tune in Saturdays at 6pm on AM1320 CHMB or stream online at www.am1320.com,
and Wednesdays at 11am on CHLY 101.7FM in Nanaimo or online at www.chly.ca.
I hope you’ll check out our Pysanka Power Podcast
either on Nash Holos or via our website. If you do, we’d love to get your
feedback. Please comment below with your impressions, questions, and
suggestions for future episodes.
Follow us:
https:/www.flickr.com/photos/iluvpysanky/albums
Wednesday, 13 February 2019
Seasonal Greetings from Guy Kistka - February 14 Valentine's Day
Our whimsical mascot Guy Kistka is celebrating the Feast of
Saint Valentine and spreading the love of pysanky.
See his greeting here.
Every February 14 candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged
between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this
mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?
According to history dot com the story of this saint is
shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a
month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains
vestiges of both Christian and ancient pagan tradition. Does this sound
familiar? Sounds like valentines and pysanky have something in common.
At least three different saints named Valentine or
Valentinus, all of whom were martyred, have been recognized. Like pysanky
legends, there are legends surrounding Valentine.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served
during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single
men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed
marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree,
defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to
death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for
attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. According to one
legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting
himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s
daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is
alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression
that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is
murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most
importantly–romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this
reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England
and France.
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:
Sunday, 13 January 2019
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.
3. if you're a fan of photo albums, we have two on our flickr platform here:
The symposium included the following topics:
25th
Annual Pysanka Workshop, Easter Bazaar and Luncheon
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
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:
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
- Dr. Anrij Hornjatkevyc – Damian Hornjatkevyc’s pysanka collection
- Lubow Wolynetz – pysanky: collecting and exhibiting
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
- Ulana Kushnir and her father the late Wasyl Ohar, developer of the electric kistka
- Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family
- Divine Liturgy
- Easter Bazaar and Luncheon
- Workshop
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:
Visit our website for pysanky kits, supplies and books
published by Baba’s Beeswax:
Sunday, 6 January 2019
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:
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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