Easter Egg Decorating Workshop at Chicago Cultural Center March 6, 2016

Sponsored by Chicago Sister Cities and Balzekas Museum

Join the Vilnius Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International and the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture at a Traditional Lithuanian Easter Egg Decorating Workshop to learn the ancient art of decorating eggs using the etching technique. This annual workshop, usually held at the Museum, has become increasingly popular and gained attention not only among the Lithuanian community, but also the wider group of Chicago’s arts and crafts enthusiasts. Join in making unique, one of a kind Easter egg decorations with friends and family.

Workshop by Don Astras

This workshop will be taught by artist Don Astras. Learn more about Don Astras. 

Dying instructions for Easter egg decorating

Please bring six dyed hard-boiled eggs using this recipe:

1. Soak several handfuls of onion skins overnight (in cold water). Two cups of water will make about one cup of dye. Boil mixture 15 minutes. Then remove onion skins and strain the solution. Add desired number of eggs to the dye solution. Bring to a boil to hard-boil eggs. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Allow solution to cool before removing eggs.
2. The longer the heating period or the greater amount of onion skins, the darker the color. If you remove eggs at different intervals, the color varies from a tan to a rich brown. Small size eggs are stronger. Larger eggs, while more fragile, lend themselves better to a more elaborate design.
3. To obtain various dark shades, place onion-dyed eggs in commercial Easter egg dyes or food coloring. Green and purple dyes give very interesting effects.
4. When the egg has dried thoroughly, place a dab of shortening on a soft cloth or paper towel and rub the egg to add luster and protect the color.

Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 11 am–12:30 pm

Light refreshments will be served. The workshop will take place on Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 11 am–12:30 pm. Recommended for adults and children eight years and older.

Registration required

Registration fee: Adults $20. Children under 12 $10. Fee includes: instruction sheet, pattern sheet, etching knife.

Parking: Metered street parking or in nearby garages.

For questions or additional information, reach out to Ieva Dilyte at idilyte@chicagosistercities.com.

Register at: Chicago Sister Cities’ Events

Please connect with your global culture and attend or promote this event to your families and friends. We would love to see you there.