Masters of crafts are generally reluctant to share their secrets, but Jerzy Lipka, the Polish folk artist was an exception to this rule.  Jerzy Lipka was the most versatile creator of Folk Art Pisanki in the Opole region of Poland. A long-time president of the Association of Folk Artists in Silesia; a historical region of Central Europe located mostly in  Poland, with small parts in the Czech Republic and Germany. Jerzy was born in (1937-2002) in Obrowiec, Gogolin commune. 
 The Famous Opole Easter Eggs
The Opole region is the most recognized area for the tradition of Pisanki.   Lipka helped to establish the first regional Kroszonkarskie Competition in 1958.
Jerzy recalls, “I remember that there were only 8 people,” he had been a juror at the events for years.   Later in his life he claimed “According to my evaluation, over 4,000 people are engaged in decorating eggs at a very high level in the Opole region”.   

Cooking Eggs for 3 Hours!
     Jerzy Lipka, claimed in the Polish method,  “you need to cook eggs for at least 3 hours in salted water. In this way, we kill the bacteria. Without protection, the Easter decoration will start to stink after just two weeks”.
Today, many artists use fresh blown shells, while the past, only natural dyes were used and Jerzy Lipka used only natural dyes.
 
Designs & Motifs
The Silesian Kroszonkarska  tradition applies only plant patterns like flowers, leaves and geometric patterns such as triangles, zigzags, lines.
“We always start with a string that divides the egg into two or four parts (it must be even). We always start with big motifs (flower, heart, etc.), and then we add small ones”.
 
The Modern Tool
   Most tools that were used to scratch the Kroszonka shell had a sharp blade made of a steel cutting blade, a razor, while some artists used a wallpaper knife.
Jerzy Lipka invented a blade made on an electric grinder (the tip is also sharpened on abrasive paper) and hardened using an acetylene torch. The handle was wrapped with toilet paper and adhesive tape.
“The thumb of the right hand works like the base of the compass based on an egg (held in the left hand), the index finger operates with a knife, pulling it towards itself with short movements”. 
It appears that most artists in Poland are using Jerzy's modernized tool.  They can bought at many annual events in the Polish market places that sell artists' Pisanki.   My friend, Chad sent me two of Jerzy's copied design scratch tools from his last trip to Poland.  I am thrilled to have these authentic tools amongst my cache of precious Pisanki tools. 
Jerzy's Book
Descriptions of Easter eggs and designs from the region of Opole, Poland.  The emphasis here is on scratched eggs, Jerzy who makes them and their designs.  Short biographies of the other artists from the region.  Text is only in Polish and German language.
The author, Jerzy Lipka was a master artist of the scratch technique.

• Softcover 156 pages
• Full color photos and illustrations
• Softcover, 156 pages
• Full color photos and illustrations

www.poleartcenter.com​

     My advice is to Photograph Each Class That You Teach.  It is important to always ask your audience, if anyone minds you taking photos during the class. In some cases, you may wish to have a brief 'release form' to be signed ahead of time.
     For several years I taught for Triple Oaks in Franklinville, NJ.  After each class, the owner Lorraine Kiefer, would send me a collage of photos she had taken during that session.   What  joy!  
I miss teaching for Lorraine each Lenten season. 
     Remember, your photos become a visual reminder for the next time that you teach. Photos for example, of the dye table set-up, shell preparation, even individual student place settings keep your standards high and classes successful.     ​

Click on PDF file link below,  for a detailed "how to" draw a Star Pattern!  

Additional patterns-click on image to enlarge and print 

This video is from my own YouTube channel  Pysanky Basics.
It's a quick reminder to keep working on a pysanky even if you are not at first, pleased with it. 

In my research on the contemporary making of Polish Kroszonki(Drapanki) scratch method, I found that many people in Poland take classes.   As you can see in the images that I have collected from Polish websites,  students copy from support designs given by a teacher.   I also read many people learn from their family members.  Please notice the pattern sheets in each of the photos that these Polish students are copying from.   It is one way of learning this treasured Polish art form.