Monday, 3 December 2018

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.

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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.

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Tuesday, 27 November 2018

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:


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.

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Saturday, 17 November 2018

'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:


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.

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Saturday, 10 November 2018

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:

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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Tuesday, 6 November 2018

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:


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.

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Tuesday, 30 October 2018

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 31st 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.

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Monday, 29 October 2018

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:


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.


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.

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

Monday, 22 October 2018

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:


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.

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Monday, 15 October 2018

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:


 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.

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Tuesday, 9 October 2018

Add this to your Holiday Gift List: Ukrainian Easter Egg Design Book Five


This lovely commemorative book marks 60 years of Ukrainian Gift Shop 1947 – 2007 in 184 pages. In keeping with such a milestone it is printed in hard cover. It has a section about the history and biographies of members of Ukrainian Gift Shop and its treasured employees who have had a hand in its success.


The book is in full colour and features two goose pysanky, one ostrich egg pysanka, and 2twotrypillian pysanky along with a variety of traditional designs. Chapter Six shows photos of pysanky of Taras Horodetskyi. We, too, have a treasured collection of these exquisite creations of Taras Horodtetskyi in our gallery—chicken, goose and ostrich eggs! Anyone interested in seeing them? We could do a future blog post with photos of our collection and a story behind their acquisition.

We think thus book 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
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.

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Friday, 5 October 2018

Seasonal Greetings from Guy Kistka – October Thanksgiving

Take time to give thanks for the blessings in one's life, particularly the harvest. Our playful mascot Guy Kistka goes back to his Saskatchewan roots and is thankful for the abundance of wheat fields and the warmth of the air and the wind. Ahhhh, the prairies.

Guy and the team of pysanky experts at Baba’s Beeswax wish everyone an enjoyable long weekend. Stay safe!

See and share this video: https://youtu.be/1cyaR0qdcEg

October Thanksgiving
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. 

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Monday, 1 October 2018

Stocking Stuffer Ideas: Ukrainian Easter Egg – Pysanka Beginners’ Designs


Do you have this pamphlet written by a Canadian author? It’s just the right size and shape for Santa to stuff into the stockings of all good boys and girls (big and little too J) who want to discover the magic of pysanky. Add some basic supplies such as beeswax, a kistka and few dyes, and your stocking will be full! Easy peasy.

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:


This concise pamphlet is included in all our kits because it is just so good!  The author Joan Nakonechny has provided 45 sample designs, colored diagrams, helpful hints, and important information to help you succeed. We love that anyone can complete 44 of those designs very easily, and the 45th is there to add more challenge.

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.

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Design Pamphlet previewed on Pysanka Power Video Clip

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 for 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.

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Monday, 24 September 2018

Unique Holiday Gift Idea: Pysanka Power! Birthday Party Ideas & Planner


Is there a birthday coming up in the new year? This booklet will make a unique stocking stuffer.

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:


Friends' eyes will sparkle when they discover the magic of making pysanky at a birthday party. This book is full of ideas and resources to make a pysanka-themed party a smashing (no pun intended) success. Table of contents includes invitations, decorations, games, cake, snacks, favors, planner and more. Full color. Soft cover (12pp).
The perfect partner to our Pysanky Party Kits. If you think that egg decorating is just for Easter, THINK 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.

Resource 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 for 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.

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Saturday, 22 September 2018

Seasonal Greetings from Guy Kistka - September Autumnal Equinox


Our playful mascot, Guy Kistka, loves the first day of fall and the crunching sound as he runs through the leaves! The team of pysanky experts at Baba’s Beeswax love the autumnal equinox with its explosion of yellow, orange and red—which also happen to be three basic colours of pysanky dyes! Thanksgiving and Halloween will carry us through the season and all the woodland creatures will start storing up for the long haul of winter.

See his greeting here: 


Autumnal Equinox
What do you love about fall? What special traditions do you have?

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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For pysanky kits, supplies and books published by Baba’s Beeswax, Discover the Magic of pysanky at our website http://www.babasbeeswax.com

Monday, 17 September 2018

The Perfect Christmas Present for the Pysanka Lover: About the Pysanka - It Is Written! A Bibliography by Joan Brander


If you’re wondering which pysanka book to give as a Christmas present this year, this bibliography has an extensive list of resources. It’s one you’ll surely want to add to your own collection, so you may need to buy 2!

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:


This valuable resource is authored by our very own Joan Brander, and we were proud and honoured to publish it for her.

It is a unique compilation of more than 250 books, periodicals and audiovisual titles. When Joan discovered that she could not find a published bibliography on pysanky she set about to write her own. The result is "About the Pysanka—It Is Written! A Bibliography by Joan Brander". Chapters include pysanky books, children’s books, newsletters, articles, audio-visual, chronological index and author index. The book also includes 72 colour plates.

The publishing and cataloguing of this first of-its-kind book garnered a place for "pysanky" in the bibliography class of the Library of Congress headings - a precedent setting development.

Just a note that the digital and eBook versions have 38 more colour plates than does the print version.

Bibliography previewed on Pysanka Power Video Clips
Visit our website for 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.

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Thursday, 13 September 2018

Hidden Passions - an exhibit of artists at the British Columbia Institiute of Technology

We've had a busy few weeks lately including Joan's interview with radio producer/host Paulette “Pawlina” MacQuarrie of Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio on August 26th (transcript to follow), a pysanka workshop at Richmond World Festival on September 1st (more photos to follow), and Joan's exhibit of pysanky featured at Hidden Passions with her colleagues at the British Columbia Institute of Technology on September 7th (photos herewith). 

Joan and her pysanky display

Close-up of Joan's pysanky

the British Columbia Institute of Technology
Enjoy these and stay tuned for more updates.