Pysanky in the 21st Century

I've drooled over this book for some time and finally ordered it. I started playing around with Pysanky in 1988. While I'm far from an expert, I do consider myself accomplished and knowledgeable about the craft - in an amateur way. I have all of the Ukrainian Gift Shop books and several others and have used them for years. This book is in a class by itself.The photography is wonderful. You get a clear picture of the eggs so that you can try to copy the designs if you want to. There are several of the author's personal egg designs with step by step directions if you want the extra help - and for these designs you definitely need help - they are very advanced and intricate. The directions are "ok" - I would like to see more detail in the how to section, especially as it relates to dividing the egg and drawing in the base design lines - the fundamental part of every egg design.This author uses some divisions that are new to me - or at least her approach to some of the divisions is very different. I do wish she had spent some time on dividing the eggs in general (in addition to adding information on dividing the egg in the section with egg designs.)This is not a "reference" for history of the eggs, designs, symbols and colors. it is an encyclopedia of "modern" designs, many based on traditional themes and many that are completely original. There are lots of wonderful and different color combinations to inspire you.There is information on equipment which is helpful - I did learn a few new "tricks" that I am going to try and some that I'm already working on perfecting.If you enjoy making pysanky I highly recommend this book. The eggs are definitely in the "advanced" and beyond category, but what inspiration, what information, what a beautiful book to simply look at over and over again.

"Beautiful" is an understatement describing the artwork of Helen Badulak in her book, Pysanky in the 21st Century. Nearly each page is filled with hundreds of gorgeous eggs. A few unclear photos are obviously aged photos from her older works, but they are more than clear enough to see some detail and get the idea that she is truly remarkable at her art.Besides a billion photos of eggs, the book has a section of some helpful hints and tricks-of-the-trade, although surprisingly the basics of egg divisions are not included. Her book is not for the beginner in terms of learning the basics. I would agree that anyone wishing to learn the art begin with "Eggs Beautiful: How to Make Ukrainian Easter Eggs" or "Ukrainian Easter Eggs and How We Make Them" as these books are geared more for the beginner (and up) and do contain information about the origins of pysanky and the folk meanings. However, that doesn't mean that this book is just for the advanced. Just because you are a beginner doesn't mean you shouldn't aspire to be a master!!Her artwork is remarkable and she's obviously proud to 'brag' about her many awards and honors. She encourages others to practice her designs to improve themselves. She also tells of her life story and how she came to be interested in making pysanky. Although no doubt costly, Helen's book is so worth the cost for the beautiful photos alone. Save your money as I did, if that's what it takes, to own the most comprehensive, 230 page book of endless, indescribably beautiful photos of pysanky. You will not be disappointed!

This book is jam packed with beautiful eggs.I was looking for some new designs and this book has them.Page after page of them. I really like the instruction for making conventional and unusual eggs plus the info on the right way to make them so they will last a lifetime.This book is so usable and gorgeous that it's hard to put down.

PYSANKY IN THE 21st CENTURY by Helen Badulak is the first definitive book on Pysanky published that `has it all'... and then some! Oversized at 8¾"x11¼", hardcover, 230 pages in full color on quality stock, the book covers everything from the history, tools of a master craftsman, everything you ever needed to know about eggs, techniques, instruction, and the inspiration that propelled Helen Badulac to become the master artisan that she is. It's not your run of the mill `how-to' book on pysanky... it is a personal journey and understanding of both the woman and her art, written with a generous and open heart.The text flows easily and naturally, the book is organized and complete in every aspect, and the photography and illustration flawless and abundant on every page. If you buy only one book on Pysanky, this is the one to buy and make part of your permanent collection.

Author has personal connection to Ukrainian heritage and is definitely a pysanky master. Book however serves mainly as showcase for her work and is less a step-by-step type book. Patterns are more complex, beautifully and skillfully rendered, and author shares tips to experienced pysanky artists. May be a bit advanced for those seeking pysanky instruction, but this reference book is a feast for the eyes and a must-have for any pysanky-lover's library.

I was breathless when I viewed the phenomenal photographs of Helen Badulak's lifetime work. Even more moving was her journaling what the art meant to her and how it saved her through WWII Europe. I have never found so many wonderful tricks, tips, and ideas for Pysanky in all the years I have made them for pleasure. This woman pursued something she loved regardless of monetary return and her book is one of the most passionate prose I have ever read when it comes to doing what makes you happiest in life. I learned a lot about the art form, it's beauty, and a lot about how to cope with life's problems--we go on, we work doing what makes us happy and share with others.

The photos are amazing and the writing (so far as I've read) is very accessible. While it is not necessarily a book full of beginner step by step directions, it gives excellent advice about tools and such and encourages newbies to give thins a try. Totally worth the price for the photos alone, I'm also finding that I'm learning a great deal from reading it.