Easter Egg Scratch Art

Every year it is tradition in my family to make Ukrainian Easter Eggs (Pysanky).  I feel that my children are still a little too small to participate (something about the combination of small children, a flame and hot wax doesn't sit well).  I thought we'd do a Toddler Approved version by making "Scratch Art Eggs".

Materials Needed

-Card stock/Cardboard - cut in the shape of an egg

-Crayons

-Black Tempera Paint

-Dish soap

-Paintbrush

-Paperclip/Popsicle Stick

First, color your eggs with crayons (making sure you press down hard enough to get a good layer).

Next: Mix your paint with a small amount of dish soap and apply a thin layer over your egg.  I didn't have any tempera on hand and used acrylic (which worked just fine).  Let the egg sit for about 10 minutes (or until dry).

Using a paper clip or popsicle stick (we actually used a mechanical pencil with no lead) etch out your design.

Older children may have fun learning about the Symbols used on Pysanky Eggs and incorporate them into their design.  We have also enjoyed printing out and filling in these coloring pages with traditional Pysanky designs.

Some fun books to learn about this tradition:

Easter Eggs for Anya by Virginia Kroll

Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco