Ukrainian EggCessories Exclusive Kistky

What is a kistka?

A kistka (plural: kistky) is a traditional wax stylus used to draw intricate designs on Ukrainian Easter eggs (pysanky) with melted beeswax. It's a tool integral to the art of making Ukrainian Easter eggs, or pysanky.

Here's how it works:

First, heat the kistka under a candle flame. As the tool heats up, you fill the kistka's reservoir with beeswax so that the wax melts into the reservoir. Then, you put the kistka back in the candle flame again so the beeswax inside it melts to a temperature over 230° F or 120°C and becomes fluid.

Once the kistka is hot enough, the melted beeswax flows smoothly out of the tip, just like ink from a pen.

This allows you to 'write' or draw your desired designs directly onto your Ukrainian Easter egg using the flowing beeswax.

The kistka can be held in any way that is comfortable, but most people will hold it as they do a pencil, with their fingers just above the barrel for more control. practice holding a kistka at right angles to an egg, with the tip doing the drawing.

Ukrainian EggCessories is proudly Canadian and supports the art of pysanky and egg art worldwide.

We're Eggers Too! Creating the best pysanky means having access to the best eggshell dye and beeswax at the best prices, and the best tools as well.  Here at Ukrainian EggCessories, we manufacture the UE Kistka ourselves. This means we build the kistka in house and can offer you our great tools at amazing prices. All our kistky are tools we'd want to use every day. After all, we're eggers too!   SEE CANDLE-HEATED KISTKY HERE

Pro Tip:

The old fashion traditional kistky usually use a natural beeswax block because the soot of the candle will turn the beeswax black making your lines easy to see on the egg. This soot often plugs up the kistka which has to be cleaned out before it can be used again.  

However, Ukrainian EggCessories' Candle Heated Kistky are very efficient so this doesn't happen with them. When using our kistky, it is recommended to use the black honeycomb beeswax so that you are able to see your design lines on your eggshell. 

Pick a size, or a whole set and start designing and writing your pysanky today!!

Pssst... the secret you absolutely want to know! UE Candle Heated Kistky use the same precision pen tips as our coveted Electric Kistky. This means you can create beautiful Ukrainian eggs, pysanky or batik and other egg art as gifts all season and not just Easter, no matter your budget. Our stainless steel precision tips are the secret to creating fine, even, smooth and consistent lines of melted beeswax when making Ukrainian Easter eggs or other egg art. You'll find that "accidental blobs" happen a lot less frequently than they do with brass or copper-tipped kistky. Our kistky create breathtaking lines that would make even an experienced artist jump for joy!   SEE CANDLE-HEATED KISTKY HERE

Safety First: 

Remember that the kistka sleeve and writing tip is very hot when heated and combined with the hot beeswax, it can leave a severe burn. Always have a safe place to hold your kistka when not in use. Try our silicone kistky holders. They work perfectly for this.

FAQ – Kistky (Wax Stylus) for Pysanky

Which kistka is best for beginners?
Most beginners start with a candle-heated kistka in medium tip size. It’s simple, affordable, and easy to control. As you gain experience, you may want to try fine or heavy tips, or upgrade to an electric kistka for continuous heat.

How do I clean a clogged kistka tip?
Gently heat the tip over a candle, then insert a fine cleaning wire (included with most kistky) to remove any wax residue. Wipe the tip on a cloth between colors to prevent buildup.

Can I use beeswax pellets or blocks in my kistka?
Yes! Both beeswax pellets and blocks work in candle-heated and electric kistky. Make sure you use pure beeswax for best results.

What tip size should I choose?

• XXXFine to Fine: For delicate lines and intricate details
• Medium to MediumXX: Most versatile; great for outlines and general use
• Heavy to HeavyX: For bold lines, filling large areas, or writing on larger eggs

What’s the difference between candle-heated and electric kistky?
Candle-heated kistky are traditional and simple—heat the tip over a candle for each use. Electric kistky provide steady, hands-free heat for smoother, more consistent lines and less hand fatigue, especially during long decorating sessions.

How do I prevent wax from overheating or burning?
Keep the tip near, but not directly in, the candle flame. For electric kistky, use the recommended power source and unplug when not in use.

Ready to start?

• Shop Candle-Heated Kistky
• Shop Electric Kistky
• See All Pysanky Dyes
• Beginner Starter Kits