Meet Kathy

Meet Kathy

In 2016, Kathy Verrelli (Hrapchak/Schoenfelder), proudly stepped in as the new owner of Ukrainian EggCessories when the original owners, Michael & Gloria Olynyk from British Columbia decided to retire. For over 35 years, they offered their own Canadian-made kistka design (both Candle-Heated and Electric) as well as their own recipes of pysanky eggshell dye. Today, Michael's patented electric kistka design continues to be enjoyed by pysanky enthusiasts world-wide. In the past, many people used pysanky supplies that originated from the United States not even knowing that there was a Canadian option. 

Ukrainian EggCessories kistky are hand-assembled by Kathy herself. As a child, Kathy use to watch her Baba write dozens of pysanky every Easter season with her Dido's hand-made kistka. He took pride in providing a tool that helped Baba make her beautiful egg creations. Today, Kathy feels that same pride as her Dido did, when she sees others using her hand-made kistky to create their works of art. 

Ukrainian EggCessories believes that the creation of pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs) is an art form that is accessible and fun for everyone. From the beginner to the expert artist, from pysanky teacher to learner... young and old, Ukrainian or non-Ukrainian - with the right supplies, pysanky can be created by anyone. Ukrainian EggCessories is committed to manufacturing quality products the are hand crafted in Canada. Reasonable prices make it easy to spread the spiritual beauty and art of pysanky, while following the Ukrainian belief that as long as pysanky are being made, evil will not prevail in the world. 

Ukrainian EggCessories products are available here online as well as at these select retailers across Canada, USA and Australia. 

The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch (Toronto), Petrolia Mercantile and Tea in Petrolia, ON, Kalyna Bookstore in Winnipeg, MB, Ukreations in Prince Albert, SK, Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Victoria, BC, The Community Farm Store in Duncan, BC, The Alberta Art Supply Store in Red Deer, AB, and online at Pysanky Australia in Australia. 

Kathy Verrelli has also spear-headed a Pysanky retreat called "Pysanky Toronto" an annual 4-day retreat bringing pysanky enthusiasts together to play, share and learn.