Easter Eggs with Pisanka Technique I 3/2027

Teacher

Äyräväinen Mari

I am Mari Äyräväinen, an IT professional by trade with over 30 years of work experience. On the side, I teach Easter egg painting at Valamo College, as well as at the Kauniainen and Loviisa adult education centers.

I started painting Easter eggs in Valamo in 2001, and teaching in Porvoo in 2004 and in Valamo since 2013. I have developed my skills through international contacts and by participating in their online groups.

Pysanka, or the decoration of real bird eggs using wax resist technique, dates back to ancient times. The word pysanka, plural pysanky, comes from the Ukrainian verb pysaty, meaning 'to write'. This accurately describes the technique: patterns are written with wax using specialized tools, similar to batik, and coloring is done by dipping the eggs into dye solutions.

The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing the students' progress and the joy of success as they become familiar with the technique. The courses have an enthusiastic atmosphere, and everyday worries are easily forgotten while decorating eggs. Many 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.