After a couple years in hibernation I felt it was safe to get out these fragile treasures. It's hard to remember at time when I had hours to spend decorating eggs. I learned the technique from a neighbor when I was a young teenager in Montreal, the very same neighbor who showed me how to make those elaborate layered decoupage plaques - anyone else remember that crafty fad?

Ukranian egg dying is enchanting process, for those of you that have never tried it here's a brief summary. You start with a blown and rinsed out egg (you don't want this masterpiece turning funky). First heat the stylus filled with beeswax over a candle flame. Apply the melted wax directly onto the egg, this will create white lines. Dip the egg into a light color dye such as yellow. Apply wax lines again, this time they'll trap the first died color. Dip egg into a slightly darker color dye such as green or orange. Repeat the process until the wax covered egg has been dipped in the darkest colored dye. Carefully heat the egg shell over the candle flame, wipe away the melted wax with a paper towel. All the beautiful layers of colors will be revealed.

Now that I've shared this with you I have to admit I'm running out to get some white eggs to hard boil. Then I'm going to break out the PAAS dye kit I bought on clearance last spring. Celia, Elliot and I are going to make a mess that will be unworthy of photography but the process will be fun and carefree! Happy Spring! Please send green thoughts to Maine, Heidi