Easter eggs with the pisanka technique I 3/2026

22.03.2026 00:00 - 25.03.2026 00:00

Registration ends: 19.03.2026 00:00 - If registration has already closed, please inquire about course places by calling 017 570 1810.

myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi, p. 017 5701 810

, 355€/Student hotel 1 room, incl. accommodation, tuition, meals, 315€/College hotel 2 rooms/person, incl. accommodation, tuition, meals

Kuva: Mari Vainio

Kuva: Mari Vainio

Course description

These two courses with the same content teach you very old traditional beeswax techniques, such as the pin, feather and pisanka techniques. The oldest pictorial symbols date back to pre-Christian times. We paint real, emptied and cleaned chicken, duck or goose eggs. The tools used are a flat-edged ink pen and pin needles, as well as feather stamps, which can be borrowed from the teacher. Personal tools and materials are not included in the course price. Students will be sent a list of tools and instructions for emptying eggs before the course. Welcome to start or continue this enjoyable and rewarding hobby in a nice group! The teacher is Mari Äyräväinen.

The Epass mobile application is accepted as a payment method for this course.

Course program

SUNDAY 22.3.

Arrival at 2pm.

15.00–15.15 Course opening

15.15–17.30 Setting goals. Introduction to painting traditions.

Introduction to button and Sorbian technology.

18.00 IX hour, Great Vespers. Small post-vespers service for the saints and the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Main church.

19.30 Dinner

Monday 23.3. 

06.00 Midnight and morning service. I fasting hour.

07.30-10.00 Breakfast

09.00–12.00 Introduction to the Ukrainian pisanka technique.

12.00–13.00 Lunch

13.00–15.15 Free-form practice of different techniques.

15.15–15.45 Break

15.45–18.00 Free-form practice of various techniques.

18.00- IX fasting period. Morning and evening service. Great post-evening service

19.30 Evening meal

Tuesday24.03

06.00- Midnight and morning service. I fasting time.

07.30-10.00 Breakfast

09.00–10.30 About Orthodox Easter and Easter tradition. /Juha Riikonen

10.30–12.00 Free-form practice of different techniques.

12.00–13.00 Lunch

13.00–15.15 Introduction to the Ukrainian pisanka technique

15.15–15.45 Break

15.45–18.00 Free-form practice of various techniques

18.00- IX Lenten hour. Hour and evening service. Great post-evening service.

19.30 Dinner

Wednesday 25.3.

06.00 Midnight and morning service. First fasting hour.

07.30- Breakfast

09.00–11.30 Free-form practice of various techniques. End of the course.

Room handover by 12 noon.

12.00 Closing lunch

Rights to changes reserved

Teacher

Äyräväinen Mari

I am Mari Äyräväinen, my main job is an IT professional and I have been working for well over 30 years. On the side, I teach Easter egg painting at the Valamo College as well as at the Kauniainen and Loviisa Adult Education Colleges. I started painting Easter eggs in 2001 in Valamo, teaching in 2004 in Porvoo and in Valamo since 2013. I have developed my own skills through my international connections and by participating in their online groups. Pysanka, or decorating real bird eggs with wax, dates back to ancient times. The word pysanka, plural pysanky, comes from the Ukrainian verb pysaty, to write. This describes the technique well, patterns are written on wax with tools designed for this purpose, such as when making batik, and dyeing is done by dipping in dye broth. The best part of teaching is seeing the student's progress and the joy of success as they become familiar with the technique. The courses have an enthusiastic atmosphere and when decorating eggs, everyday things are easily forgotten. Many people return to Valamo year after year and there could be no better compliment. My painted – or rather written – eggs can be seen on my Instagram account.