#16 Zentagle Fun on Eggs - Melanie Ferguson - Wednesday July 22nd - 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Workshop Summary:

Zentangle is a meditative and relaxing art form, that encourages a state of calm and focuses on the process of drawing. The traditional method involves using a pen to draw black patterns on white paper, but it can be adapted with other materials, and on different surfaces. In many ways, Zentangle art is similar to writing Pysanky: calming and meditative, focusing on the process.

As well, Zentangle designs lend themselves to wax-resist egg designs, with their combination of geometric and organic lines and motifs. (This is where some debate may arise, about not using the term “pysanky” for this style of eggs, because they are not “traditional”.)

Because of the open-ended quality of Zentangle designs, many artistic interpretations can be created. One design I will include in my presentation is the “Tree of Life” motif, which lends itself well to Zentangle designs!

This workshop is suitable for all levels: beginners wanting to learn the basics, intermediates who want to refine their skills, and experts who want to pick up new tips. (A basic familiarity with the wax-resist process is helpful, but not necessary.) 

Materials Provided:

• Handouts,
• photocopied examples of Zentagle designs
• design practice pages
• black markers (for practising designs) I will also provide some blank eggs.

Please Bring:

• egg shell canvases (chicken eggs suggested)
• basic pysanky supplies (medium and fine kistky suggested) 
• Beeswax

Maximum students: 25 students

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Workshop Fee: $40 CAD per student
Please bring $40 CAD in cash, placed in an envelope with your name and the instructor’s name written on it, to the start of class. 

About Melanie Ferguson:

Melanie learned all about her Ukrainian heritage beginning at a very young age, from her mother and grandparents, and through involvement with her local Ukrainian community. She began making Pysanky at a very young age, too.

Melanie was inspired by Ukrainian embroidery and Pysanky when she launched her jewelry line, Mella Bella Designs, in 2015. She incorporated the motifs in her beadwork and metalwork, and used Pysanka shells in her designs.

Now, Melanie focuses almost exclusively on Pysanky and Pysanka jewelry. She and her mom, Irene, collaborate as Sim’ya Designs, and sell their work at Toronto’s One Of A Kind Show.

Melanie is also an Ontario Certified Teacher, and has been teaching for 25 years. She enjoys sharing her love of Pysanky with her students every year at Easter time. 

Contact: Facebook & Instagram: @simyadesigns