Monday, February 25, 2019

Batik egg decorating

Inspired by Pysanki Ukrainian egg decorating (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pysanka), we will be decorating eggs using this method, though you may make any design or pattern you want! We will have books on hand for ideas.

Pysanka comes from the verb "to write," as designs are written with beeswax and the colors applied like batik. This is a cozy indoor craft with candles and beeswax smell.

Requires specific tools and materials, which you can obtain online (https://www.ukrainiangiftshop.com/) or maybe still at Guild Art Supply in Easthampton (see https://www.bigwheelpress.com/).

Please bring an egg or two to decorate. White eggs provide more options of colors in your design.

More about the tradition and some video instruction:







Note 2019: February 28 and March 7, 2019 
***8:30-10:30am -- note time, as we need to vacate the room for high school class
Earth Science room of the North modular building between the cow barn and Piening Hall.
Please RSVP to Jennie or sign up on the list in the lobby.

Note 2018: you will probably need to spend more time decorating your egg and may not finish in our 2-hour session. This was the only Thursday this month a room was available where we could do this craft, due to the hot wax required for the batik aspect of it.

March 15, 2018 we did this in the Physics room, in the science "mod" building near the high school, closer to the pig pen. 

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Making yo-yos

We will be making these all spring, so stop by a Thursday crafting morning to learn how, sew a few, pick up or drop off fabric, or bring in what you've made!

Tip: When sewing multiple colors and patterns together, as we are doing, light gray or beige thread is recommended.

Cut circles ~3 1/8" diameter cotton fabric
4 circles per 5 1/2" square cotton fabric
With inside of fabric circle up, fold 1/4" over and sew a running stitch all around, gathering as you go. Cinch and tie off.

Appliqué 4 circles at the center of each square: "finger crease" cross-hatch and sew at edges just underneath each yo-yo.