#19. An Acid-Etched Tree of Life Design - Natalie K Kit - Wednesday July 22nd 7:00pm-9:00pm

Photos show the original design of the Tree of Life that will be the basis for the workshop. Students have the option of selecting either the goose egg or rhea egg design. The large goose egg size is recommended for beginners and intermediate-level students. Those looking for a challenge will not be disappointed with the larger rhea egg size. See notes below regarding egg preparation.

The Tree of Life is a motif and symbol found in many cultures around the world. The Tree of Life design was used by the Egyptians to ornament the walls of Luxor.

In Ukrainian Folk Art, it is a symbol of renewal, connecting all realms: the celestial universe (the ether), earth (our corporeal world), and the underground (the past and power and strength of our ancestors). In one of the most ancient carols, the Tree of Life stands in the primordial element of water, and the doves sitting in its branches discuss how they will go about creating the world.

With the passage of time, the Tree of Life became a powerful symbol of family, prosperity, and the continuity of life. Birds are a common feature, sitting in the branches of the tree. It’s covered with flowers, berries, and seeds, sometimes represented as growing from a large vase or urn. Flowers and buds frequently appear at the very top, guarded by birds.

The Tree reflects life, the earth, and the heavenly world of the ether, where stars and planets wander. It unites the past, present, and future and has been a beloved style I have been evolving over many years, with the inclusion of acid etching as part of my unique expressions.

The workshop will include the following:

• Safety first; an overview of products that can be used for acid etching, safety steps that must be followed, and a discussion of the pros and cons of various acid products. The use of nitrile gloves is recommended while working to reduce pencil smudging and to maintain a better grip on the egg. Gloves will also be needed for the etching, as well as a soft brush for scrubbing. I encourage you to explore the design and your creativity by stepping out of your comfort zone.
• I am developing a unique, original design for PT2026 suitable for an extra-large goose egg or a rhea egg. Participants in this class will prepare their goose or rhea egg at home in advance by sanding to a smooth finish and creating a work grid. Draw the design within the grid lines AT HOME. Detailed instructions and step-by-step photos will be provided. My design will include a dark outline. Line waxing will be simplified by bringing colorized white beeswax with which to write the design at the workshop. Experience is recommended; however, beginners looking for a real challenge will not be disappointed in this hands-on workshop. Takeaway material with etching instructions and tips will be provided, along with the design. The goose egg size will be fun and challenging.
• A variety of kistka tip sizes should be used for creating the design; MXX, MX, M (heavy, and medium kistka tips are recommended for etching work). All tips should be thoroughly cleaned to ensure superior wax flow for optimal beeswax coverage. Let’s embark on a journey into the creative universe where we write our Tree of Life into being.Your at-home preparation provides more time for focusing on tips, in-class troubleshooting, andoptimizing class time to start writing immediately. 

Learned from her self-taught mother, writing pysanky is an art and tradition that has been an important part of Natalie’s life. Creating a pysanka has never lost the intrinsic sense of magic and mystery; an activity where the motion of writing often provides entry into a creative universe where new ideas and connections come to life.

Acid-etching is a specialty, although traditional Ukrainian folk pysanky are also a favorite. At the first annual juried Pysanka Exhibition in Toronto in June 2019, at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch, Natalie’s acid-etched Tree of Life ostrich egg pysanka was awarded First Place in this category, with two second placements for other, smaller etched pysanky.

Natalie was requested to submit an original design to the Royal Canadian Mint, which was selected to become the 2020 Tree of Life, Gold Pysanka Coin released in Canada. Her original designs for Silver Pysanky Coins were released in 2023 and in 2025. These coins honour the history of Ukrainian immigrants in Canada and their Ukrainian heritage.