Happy 30th Birthday

Today is the 30th birthday of Baba's Beeswax which was hatched in 1991. Celebrate this event and get a free gift. Contact us for details.

May the 4th be with you

 For some light-heartedness today, we only say this once a year.

Happy Easter to those who celebrate according to the Julian Calendar

The great gift of pysanky is hope. To write a pysanka is to believe in tomorrow. Wishing you a blessed Easter. May the promise of this day fill you with happiness, joy and love!

Unsightly pencil marks

Some lovely photos of beginners' pysanky on social media prompted me to offer this tip. I publish weekly “Tuesday Tips” on FB. This one brought to mind a troubleshooting opportunity.

"Today’s Tip is that if any residue of beeswax remains on your pysanka, wipe it off with a cotton ball or tissue of paint thinner or lighter fluid, try paint thinner or lighter fluid with discretion, using a q-tip, at any step of the dyeing process. “Paint thinner” or “lighter fluid” will also remove any unwanted pencil marks."

If you haven’t varnished your pysanky yet, it would benefit for this tip of using paint thinner (hardware store) or lighter fluid (I get mine at 7-11) to remove the pencil lines. The pencil lines do a great job of providing guidelines, but the downside is that it’s usually used on the white part of the egg, and will show up there. I use cotton pads (the type used for make-up from the drug store) or simply Kleenex. Surprisingly, it does not remove the dye. Just be very gentle with pressure.

ZOOM Let's Chat About Pysanky – The Last Step, Varnish

Because you asked about varnish:

During the pandemic, people with all levels of experience in pysanky engaged in free weekly ZOOM meetings sponsored by Baba’s Beeswax. The chats, moderated by pysanky expert Joan Brander, were informal in nature and educational in tone. Topics included such things as workshops overview, a show and tell, all about dyes, all about kistkas, more pysanky essentials, egg division, eggs in depth, pysanka symbols, pysanky in regions of Ukraine, the last step (varnish), and suggestions for subsequent weeks.

The climate was social and engaging, connections and friendships were formed, and free door prizes were awarded to celebrate 30 years of Baba’s Beeswax in business! 

Here’s the presentation from March 28: The Last Step – Varnish. 

Free ZOOM information

Nash Holos: Back to School?

Here's a post from Nash Holos that we'd like to share. It's never too early to think about back to school—virtually or physically. Nash Holos has skillfully partnered with educators as important decisions need to be made especially in these unusual times.

Nash Holos: Back to School?: Back in 2008 I thought it would be fun to create a quiz based on some of Ron Cahute's tunes that I aired on the show, from his language-...

And Baba's Beeswax would like to add pysanky to your cultural experience. Here’s a helpful YouTube step-by-step video.

But not only that—how about these teacher resources: see the Course Outline, Lesson Plan, Reading and/or Handouts, Free Activities and Printables for Kids, Access to Resources for Teachers, Students, and Parents, and Peer Review here https://www.babasbeeswax.com/TeacherGuide.htm.

There's so much to learn! Have a great summer.

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.

Pysanka Power Podcast – Episode 6

If you're still sitting on the fence and not sure if writing pysanky is for you, or if the clock is just running out before Easter, Episode 6 of the Pysanka Power Podcast gives some other methods you can try. There's other types of Ukrainian decorated eggs in addition to pysanky.

As mentioned in an earlier blog, the Pysanka Power Podcast was launched in collaboration with Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio.

Now you can listen to all Episodes on your favourite podcast platform. Here's a few of them, with more being added, and of course on our website and on Nash Holos! Just search "Pysanka Power Podcast"!

• 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.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

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

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

Pysanka Power Podcast - Episode 5

Listen to Episode 5 of the Pysanka Power Podcast to learn about the technique of using pencil guidelines for pysanky. Even the most experienced egg artists use pencil guidelines as a framework to maintain geometric balance.
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.

Now you can listen to all Episodes on your favourite podcast platform. Here's a few of them, with more to be added, and of course on our website and on Nash Holos! Just search "Pysanka Power Podcast"!

• 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.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

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

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

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

Now you can listen to all Episodes on your favourite podcast platform. Here's a few of them, with more to be added, and of course on our website and on Nash Holos! Just search "Pysanka Power Podcast"!

• 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.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

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

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

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!

Now you can listen to all Episodes on your favourite platform. Here's a few of them, with more to be added, and of course on our website and on Nash Holos! 

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.

Follow us:

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

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

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

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.

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.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

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

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

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.facebook.com/BabasBeeswax/

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

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

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:

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

http://iluvpysanky.blogspot.com/

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

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