PYSANKY IN THE 21st CENTURY
- Written by Alice Shearer, owner and operator of Eggcetera, for publication.

With the assistance, support and encouragement from daughter Nina, granddaughter Kristina, and countless friends and relatives Helen Badulak has achieved that which she had always considered to be an impossible dream...........
Pysanky in the 21st Century is a lasting record of Helen's 35 year journey with Pysanky and the profound effect it has had in her life.

You do not have to be involved in the practice of Pysanky to appreciate this book; there is something for everyone. Anyone with an appreciation of fine art will find themselves in awe of the sheer beauty in page after page of the author's colorful and intricately written eggshells.

The novice will be motivated to get started with the information provided; from how to choose the perfect eggshell, to a discussion of the tools that Helen has found to work best for her. The tips and methods she shares, may do away with some of the frustrations experienced by those new to this art form, and help make the experience easier and thus more enjoyable to complete.

The experienced writer will be inspired by the many original designs, many of which are shown in a step-by-step progression of design and color. Her hope is that all that do Pysanky will copy these designs and challenge themselves to do the very best that they can do. My own personal favorite is a design entitled "A Breath of Spring," which took 387 hours to complete. I had the opportunity to see this egg in person at a show in NJ last spring, and it was absolutely breathtaking.

The last chapter of the book, which I must admit I read first, is a glimpse into Helen's personal life history thru her memories and photos starting with her childhood in the Ukraine and continuing thru her survival of World War II, she brings us to what she considers to be the beginning of her life, when she makes the journey to America at the age of 12. It was after her arrival that Pysanky soon became a constant in her life, and you will enjoy reading what this meant to her.

Reading her story, made me realize just how lucky I am to have been born and raised in this country, and how ashamed I am to have to admit that there are so many, given this same privilege, who take it so much for granted.