What is a Pysanka ?  It is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated using a wax-resist batik method that dates back to ancient times. Starting with a white egg, the wax is applied with the stylus. The designs are not painted on, but "written" with a stylus filled with hot beeswax. Those areas covered with wax will remain white. The egg is then dipped into the next color (i.e. yellow). Additional lines are added, which will be yellow in the final design. 

 

A Pysanka may have anywhere from one to 5 or 6 colors layered on it. Once the final color has been applied, the wax is removed eating the egg over a flame and wiping off the melted wax – exposing the colors and pattern underneath. The finished egg is then coated with a protective coating to help preserve the colors. A finding can be attached for those Pysanky that will be displayed as ornaments.