Saturday 2 December 2023, Christmas Pająki with Karolina Merska, in-person workshop at Selvedge Christmas Fair

Hosted in person at the Selvedge Christmas Fair by Karolina Merska of Folka

Saturday, 2 December, 10 - 6 pm 

St Mary's Church, Wyndham Place, York St, London, W1H 1PQ

Please note your ticket will also provide you with access to the Christmas Fair, the workshop will include a two hour lunch break where you will have the chance to enjoy the fair. 

Delicate, colourful and intricate structures made of rye straw and coloured paper, Pająki (pah-yonk-ee) are traditional Polish chandeliers made by hand for special occasions. Their history dates back to the mid-18th century when women made them as Christmas decorations for their homes. They are also a symbol of harvest and happiness in the New Year. Suspended from the ceiling, amongst colourful paper cut-outs, paintings and paper flowers, they have become a popular decoration in Polish villages. Originally from Poland, Karolina Merska is keeping the Pająki tradition alive. During the workshop, Karolina will introduce the rich history of Pająki, teaching you how to create the iconic Pająki structure using rye straw and colourful paper discs decorated with five traditional Kalinka pom poms. A Kalinka pom pom is made of 15 layers of hand-twisted tissue paper. By the end of a workshop, you will have made your own Pająki to hang over your Christmas table.

A material pack will be provided for participants. Open to all levels. Book your place

Originally from Poland, Karolina Merska is keeping the Pająki tradition alive. Inspired by Polish folk art, she started making Pająki chandeliers in 2015 and has been sharing her passion and knowledge for Pająki through workshops in her studio in East London and around the world ever since. Her work has been celebrated internationally by Channel 4, The World of Interiors, House and Garden, Elle Decoration, The Telegraph, Time Out, Harper’s Bazaar and many more. Since 2019 she also runs her shop, Folka, where she presents unique crafts including Pająki. Her first book was titled Making Mobiles: Create Beautiful Polish Pajaki from Natural Materials.

Outline of the workshop

During the workshop Karolina will introduce the rich history of Pająki, teaching you how to create the iconic Pająki structure using rye straw and colourful paper discs decorated with 5 traditional Kalinka pom poms. A Kalinka pom pom is made of 15 layers of hand-twisted tissue paper. By the end of a workshop, you will have made your own Pająki.

The workshop is available to all levels.

A material pack will be provided to participants containing:

• Bunch of rye straw

• Tissue paper in two colours

• Pre-cut discs in one colour

• Crepe paper

• Metal hoop

• Ribbon

• Cotton thread

• Needle

Material list that you will need to bring to the workshop:

• Sharp scissors

• Glue

• Aluminium foil (approx. 20cm x 20cm)

• Compass

• Pencil

• Ruler

Workshop Cancellation Policy
All workshops are non-refundable. However, if you let us know at least a week in advance that you are not able to make a workshop you have booked, we can issue a credit note.

If you require additional information about this workshop please contact the events team, events@selvedge.org.