Informative and inspiring

books:

	• Decorating Eggs: Exquisite Designs with Wax & Dye Jane Pollak Sterling, 1998 - 128 pages average customer review:based on 17 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

I'm a beginner

This is a beautiful book. I bought it so that my children and I could get started in this art form. This book provides beautiful inspiration for the beginner, and has thorough instructions. There wasn't much info on dividing up the egg, but that information is easily found online, and not everyone wants a perfectly symetrical egg....especially children :)

excellent resource!

I am just beginning with pysanky and this book has been a treasure trove! It begins with a brief history of the art, clear explanations and wonderful photos of the tools of the trade, and moves into very easy-to-follow instructions for making decorated eggs. Throughout, the book is filled with wonderful full-color photos of lovely eggs, sparking the imagination with possibilities. The waxing and dying process is documented clearly with photographs and explained fully in detailed step-by-step instructions for making a simple but stunning beginner's egg. Pollak always gives options, not just her preferred method of doing it, explaining the differences between traditional and modern tools, different ways of removing the wax and blowing the egg, etc. There is an entire chapter on playing with color and the effects of one color on top of another color, followed by a chapter on simple two-color designs. She encourages playing with design and color to see what happens! Next are chapters on traditional Ukrainian designs and symbolism, "quilting" on eggshells using patterns inspired by quilts, where to find inspiration for new and original decoration ideas (fabric, cultural images, modern art, etc), and finally, chapters on creating lovely eggshell jewelry and other nontraditional egg designs and uses (like bowls from ostrich eggs!). I would think this book would be as indispensable on the shelf of an experienced egg decorator as I know it is on my beginner's shelf! The only thing to be aware of is that this is NOT a pattern book. It gives clear instructions on how to do pysanky, step-by-step directions for one pattern, shows various design elements used in traditional Ukrainian eggs, and is filled with inspiring photos of finished eggs, but it does not have the patterns for those eggs. I didn't rate it down for this, because it is not designed to be a pattern book, but the buyer should be aware that it doesn't contain patterns. It is, however, filled with education, inspiration, and encouragement!

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enchanting

This book is absolutely beautiful! The photographs are lovely, and the instructions are very clear. Even if you don't plan on attempting the craft, the pictures are well worth the price of the book!

Good Beginner Book

I have done pysanky for over 10 years, and have been asked where is a good place to begin. This book is my favorite to recommend. It offers a brief description of pysanky technique and uses. It touches on some of the highlights of this art. It gives a very cursory description of history and symbolism. (Most people don't share my interest in the history, so they don't mind how skimpy this section is) This book also gives the reader ideas of where to find inspiration like quilts, lace, etc. Overall, this is an excellent resource for the beginner.

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Informative and inspiring

I was looking into possibly wanting to take up this craft. But before doing so, I wanted to make sure I conpletely understood the art. This book clearly spelled out step by step and even why it is done so. But the author also gives other options.

This book was also inspiring with all it creative, wonderful pictures. Jane Pollak gives you wonderful ideas to start with and even gives you a focus to find more inspiration.

I just finished the book last night and am ordering a Kistka kit today!

Even if you do not have the patience to create such eggs...this book will give you a better appreciation for those that are able to design such wonderful pieces of art.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4

Truly exquisite designs, intricate details, brilliant color schemes...on an egg? Achieve all this and more with ease while admiring the unbelievable beauty displayed in glorious color throughout these pages. Apply gem-like colors and watch as they awaken the design ?written? on the egg in wax. From classic ?quilt? patterns, to traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs and everything in between, you?re sure to be enchanted by this age-old craft.

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