Etched Emu Egg with Sea Turtle

This is an emu egg (related to the ostrich) that has been emptied and then etched and dyed in the pysanky (Ukrainian) tradition. I use a tool called a kistka to write on the egg with melted wax, which resists the acid used for etching. When the design is done, the wax is melted off. I then varnish it with several layers of a UV resistant matte varnish.

How to care for your egg:

• Keep it out of direct sunlight when you display it. Even with the UV resistant varnish, sunlight can fade the colors and yellow the varnish over time.

• If you need to store your egg, wrap it in layers of tissue paper (you can also wrap it in bubble wrap for added protection) and place it in a box where it is secure and won’t roll around.

• Your egg is fragile, so treat it as you would a glass ornament.