Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilyn Henderson.
Marilyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 1972, an article about the Ukrainian art of egg decorating, pysanky, came out in National Geographic Magazine. I fell in love with the technique, and have been making these decorated eggs ever since. It is a wax-resist dye process–actually, batik on eggs. For many years I only made these eggs at Easter time, but about 10 years ago began making them year-round. I joined some online “egging” groups, and learned more from them in a few years than I had in 35 years on my own! I now sell my eggs at several craft shows in the greater Houston area. Some I make are traditional Ukrainian designs, but many are simply my own designs. I make many of them as Christmas ornaments. I also make jewelry from goose eggshell and sell those.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a pleasant journey all the way. One of my biggest problems was finding fresh goose eggs to work with, but a few years ago I met a lady who is a goose rehabilitator. She now gives me more goose eggs than I can use each spring during their egg-laying season. I empty them and save them for future use.
I will never be able to support myself with my egg art but generally earn enough to pay for my supplies, the entry fees into craft shows, and also pay my way to an out-of-state workshop that I go to each year.
Please tell us more about your artwork, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Obviously, I specialize in egg art. In addition to selling my eggs and eggshell jewelry, I offer classes in pysanky. It gives me a lot of joy to be able to teach others this wonderful art form.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I don’t anticipate any big changes. I will continue doing this as long as I enjoy doing it.
Pricing:
- Classes start at $25 for a 3-hour session.
- My jewelry sells for $25 per pendant and $25 per earring set.
- My eggs range in price from $15 to $200.
Contact Info:
- Website: Eggsbymarilyn.com
- Email: marilyn@eggsbymarilyn.com
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