If you like the look of intricate pysanky style eggs, but not all the work, decorate wooden eggs instead. With a few tools, you can create faux Ukrainian pysanky eggs. They will last forever and are easy to create.
Supplies
You will need: wooden eggs / craft paint / paint brush / and paint pens (optional). Apply a base coat of paint to your wooden eggs. Let them dry thoroughly.
Draw
For a simple pysanky style egg, you'll need to draw a basic grid. Traditional pysanky eggs have geometric patterns. To help with placement, draw a vertical line in pencil down one side of the egg. Then repeat on the opposite side.
Draw Second Line
Draw another line perpendicular to the first, vertical line. This line should bisect the vertical line in the middle.
Draw Two Angled Lines
Draw two more lines starting from where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect. They should be at a 45 degree angle and divide each quadrant in half.
Make the Flower
Connect each section with a "peak." No worries if it is not perfectly straight or even. These eggs are supposed to have a hand drawn look. Repeat on the opposite side.
Paint Pens
Paint pens make it even easier to decorate your eggs. You have better control when drawing and they dry faster. Before you begin, give them a good shake. Hold them down and at an angle when in use; this will help the paint flow better.
Paint
Cover your penciled lines with paint. Use whatever color you fancy! Give it a few seconds to dry before you try to go over thin spots.
Fill In
Fill in sections with an accent color. Feel free to embellish with dots, swirls, etc in another contrasting color. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Be creative. If you want to freehand draw flowers or swirls, go for it.
How to Display
The wooden eggs have a flat bottom, so you can just sit them up for display if you like. Better yet, add an eye hook so you can hang them. To display with an eye hook, you will need: eye hooks, drill, drill bit and ribbon or string.
Pre-Drill
Pre-drill a hole at the top of the egg.
Insert the Eye Hook
Use a pair of pliers to insert the eye hooks. After a few twists by hand, it becomes harder to screw in the hook. Flat nose pliers will help grip the top of the hook and help it turn.
Add a Ribbon
Cut a length of ribbon or string and insert it through the eye hook. Tie a knot at the opposite end.
Display
Make more eggs and hang them on flowering branches. The decorative eggs will add a seasonal flavor to any branch arrangement.
