About Enchanted Hen

My name is Nan. I am a self-taught artist, originally from California, and now living in New Mexico – the Land of Enchantment.

Many years ago, one of my sisters became interested in the Ukrainian art of pysanky eggs. She has since moved on to other things but I was hooked on the process of batik on real eggs and – geometric patterns appealed to me. Especially on an egg, which is one of the most organic of shapes, and an ancient symbol of life and rebirth.

So on I went, becoming increasingly fascinated with the challenge of wrapping a flat 2-dimensional graphic around an ovoid surface. I experimented with different patterns and motifs that I came across in magazines, pottery, and various ethnic art forms. As long as the design could be plotted out on a grid, I could put it on an egg!

Eventually, I came across a book called Decorating Eggs: Exquisite Designs with Wax & Dye by an egg artist named Jane Pollak. Now SHE had done something interesting with goose eggs. She makes them into jewelry! OK, I wanted to try that.

It took a lot of hit and miss, searching for a suitable finish, finding a source for eggs, and taking her method in my own direction. I finally settled on ostrich eggshells for my jewelry. They absorb the dye beautifully and they have a gently pebbled surface that makes for an interesting background texture. And they are thick and sturdy – roughly 4 times as thick as a goose eggshell.

My designs? Well, they are ever-changing. I have a fondness for the traditional Ukrainian and Polish designs, but I am constantly inspired by quilt block patterns, traditional ethnic designs, pueblo pottery art, country, and folk art, and – of course – Mother Nature.

My work has been featured in the Grand Galleria in Escondido along with a newspaper article showcasing my egg art. I was recently voted Artists Choice award by my fellow artists at the Labors Of Love Artists Showcase here in New Mexico. Interviews and mentions on various online publications include:

After about 20 years, I stopped doing the egg art, as it was putting a strain on my eyes. But I had taken many pictures and still love the art, so I developed this website to share with others.

At EnchantedHen.com you can find tutorial instructions, stories about the designs, and a shopping list of the supplies I use.  The content is copyright protected, but I don’t mind sharing as long as you refer back to this site as a source.