In southern Slovenia, women gather around tables to carve delicate patterns into Easter eggs dyed with onion skins. The craft, known as ‘drsanke’, is closely tied to the Bela Krajina region.
Using small knives or scissors, makers scrape designs directly onto the shell. Floral, animal and religious motifs appear in fine detail. Each egg takes about an hour to complete, turning a simple object into a personal, handmade gift.
The process demands patience. Eggs are boiled for at least an hour, then stored in cool conditions so the inside dries over time.
A light coat of oil helps preserve them for years. For veteran artist Milena Staresinic, nearly 80, the tradition carries memory and meaning. She learnt it from her father, when gifting an egg at Easter was a quiet way to show affection.
Workshops in local schools now help keep the practice alive. Children learn to carve without sketching first, relying on instinct and balance.