Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Ukrainian Eggs

Some of my kids came home before Easter to learn how to do Ukrainian Eggs. I am fortunate that we could use one of the upstairs bedrooms for an art studio. It has wonderful lighting and accommodates many different kinds of projects.

I learned how to do these eggs a few years ago, and it was fun to share this craft with my family.

Kristin was doing some art while the rest of us made eggs.

















This picture shows a kistka (Ukrainian tool) that is used to apply wax to the eggs. It is heated and then filled with beeswax.


The wax is applied in layers. Whatever color is under the wax, that is what color will be "unmasked." The egg is sometimes dipped in 3 or 4 colors.

























Once the design has been completed, the layers of wax are removed from the egg.












Here is one completed design. The different colors show how many times the egg was dipped and wax was applied.
Paul (front right) was not very happy with the way his egg turned out. However, once the wax was removed and the egg was varnished it was transformed into a beautiful egg.











Some of these eggs were made in the past, and one was made by my first instructor. You can see how beautifully they turn out! It is a VERY fun craft that we hope to make a family tradition.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Cherry Blossoms at the State Capital

We've been in Salem for 30 years, and I've never taken the time to enjoy the cherry blossoms at the capital mall. Kate and I enjoyed a beautiful afternoon doing just that!





















































When Kate wasn't posing for me, she was talking to a "special someone" on the phone while I ran around taking pictures :-).

Marsh Wren


Kate and I recently made a trip to Ankeny Hill Wildlife Refuge just south of our home. It was one of the first sunny days of the spring. While we were there I finally captured a Marsh Wren with my camera, and the spunky little thing was singing its little heart out!