#28. How to Make Japanese Washi Paper Eggs - Tamsen Salvador - Thursday July 23rd - 3:30PM to 5:30PM

Workshop Summary:

Come play, recharge your creativity, and add a fresh, unexpected technique to your egg-art toolbox. In this lively, hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create elegant Japanese washi paper eggs using richly patterned papers, as well as cutting and layering techniques that transform a simple egg into a striking work of art. As an experienced pysanky artist, think of this as a joyful shift in perspective: no kistka, no wax, no dyes—just colorful paper, scissors, glue, and creative flow. This new experience may even energize and inform your pysanky work.

You’ll learn about the history, making, and use of washi paper in Japan, the origin story of washi decorated eggs, and how to make Japanese washi paper eggs using wooden eggs as a base (real, blown-out eggs and plastic eggs may also be used). 

And these eggs aren’t just for Easter baskets! We’ll explore creative ways to display and use washi eggs throughout the year as stylish home décor accents that show off your work beautifully. The colors and patterns complement any décor from modern and minimalist to traditional and maximalist.

Warning: washi eggs are highly addictive, and you may find yourself making them long after the retreat ends!

What’s Provided:

Everything you need to make 2 hen-sized and 3 wren-sized washi eggs.  The class will include a step-by-step handout with recommendations on where to source wooden eggs and washi paper. You will most likely only finish one egg in class, but you’ll have the rest of the retreat to finish the set. Feel free to find me and ask any questions at any time during the retreat.

What to Bring?

Your curiosity and enthusiasm to learn about this unusual egg decorating technique.

Maximum Class Size: 30

Workshop Fee: $40 CAD/$30 USD per person to be paid in cash at the beginning of class.Please bring exact cash, placed in an envelope with your name and the class name, "How to Make Japanese Washi Paper Eggs. You will be given your supply kit upon receipt of your payment. 

About Tamsen Salvador:

I’ve been drawn to arts and crafts since childhood and discovered washi egg decorating through a long-forgotten kit my mother had saved for decades. One egg was all it took to spark a lasting passion. My interest in Japanese culture began in high school while tutoring a Japanese family, an experience that introduced me to the beauty of traditional kimono textiles and handmade washi papers inspired by historic silk designs.

Taught the fundamentals of washi egg making by my mother, who learned the craft in the 1970s, I’ve been refining techniques that enhance both the quality and elegance of my eggs. I love sharing the idea that decorated eggs—washi or pysanky—are beautiful year-round art objects, not just for Easter.