Winter Folk Pajaki Retreat Weekend with Karolina Merska
During this 2 day workshop, Karolina will take you on a magical journey into Polish folk art. You will learn about forgotten crafts and create a beautiful and unique pajak chandelier made from rye straw and paper pompoms to adorn your house just in time for Christmas - or to offer as a gift.
Pajaki (pah-yonk-ee) are traditional Polish chandeliers and their history dates back to the mid 18th century. They were made by country women as decorations for their homes especially around Christmas, Easter, as well as for weddings, christenings and times of celebration. Suspended from the ceiling in a main room, amongst colourful paper cut-outs, paintings and paper flowers, they became a popular decoration in polish village houses. They were a symbol of harvest and happiness in the New Year. Today the tradition is practised less and less, but Karolina works to keep the pajaki tradition alive!
Come to gather and create together, on this warm and welcoming winter retreat complete with food, folk music and plenty of festive spirit!
The workshop welcomes and is suitable for all levels. It runs from 11am-4pm on Saturday & Sunday & attendance on both days is required.
…
Day 1
Karolina will begin by introducing you to unique Polish folk crafts and Christmas customs, before guiding you through the process of designing your own pajak chandelier. She will have on hand her favourite folk books and festive decorations for you to get some inspiration from.
Inspired by old traditional designs, you’ll then sketch your ideas for your pajak. An important part of a process is choosing your colour scheme. It's one of Karolina's favourite steps and she has an amazing collection of tissue paper, so there will be many colour options to choose from!
You will then begin working with rye straw to build the pajak’s structure of the upper and lower arms by the end of the day.
Day 2
On Sunday, you’ll focus on decorating your pajak with pompoms. Paper pompoms come in different shapes and sizes, and Karolina will share her secrets on how best to make them. She learnt many techniques from visiting various artists in Poland. The twisting of paper to craft the pompoms is one of Karolina’s favourite moments, as it is a very relaxing and therapeutic process. You are also welcome to create some of your own decorations to add to your pajak inspired by books and folk references on hand.
By the end of the day, you will create a unique pajak chandelier. You will also gain knowledge which lets you make more pompoms, garlands and pajaki in various styles in the future.
..
All materials, refreshments & a simple vegetarian lunch will be provided on each day over the weekend.
Please note: The workshop weekend is limited to 8 places to ensure a more intimate experience. If dates need to change, you’ll be able to swap to the new date or obtain a refund if you’re unable to make the new date. Should you need to cancel your booking, we will try our best to fill your spot, otherwise tickets are non-refundable.
…
Stay with us:
During this retreat weekend, participents are invited to stay & book into an all-inclusive weekend package that includes a two-night B&B stay at Kindred House (Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd November), along with full access to the weekend workshops. Guests can also request to stay on the Sunday night to best suit their travel arrangements.
Kindred House is offered not only as a space to retreat to, but also to connect within as we invite our guests to be active participants in cultivating our community. Our workshops & various events play a key role in the spirit of Kindred House, in crafting an environment that actively inspires & encourages connection, creativity & learning.
Our retreat weekends make a wonderful gift to oneself or a thoughtful offering to a loved one. They provide an ideal opportunity for a weekend getaway in our sanctuary beside the sea, whilst having the opportunity to get creative, learn a new skill & make new friends along the way.
Rooms are limited & tend to get booked quickly so get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
…
About your teacher: Karolina Merska
Karolina Merska is originally from Poland and moved to the UK in 2007 shortly after obtaining an MA in History of Art at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow.
Inspired by Polish folk art, she started making pajaki chandeliers in 2015. Today the tradition is practised less and less. She keeps pajaki tradition alive.
Her work has been celebrated internationally and publicised by Channel 4, The World of Interiors, House and Garden, Elle Decoration, The Telegraph, Time Out, Harper’s Bazaar and many more. Exhibitions featuring Karolina’s work include the London Design Festival, London Craft Week, Bengaluru ByDesign Festival.
Karolina loves sharing her knowledge and teaches pajaki workshops in her studio in East London and around the world. Since 2019 she also runs her online shop Folka, where she presents unique folk crafts.
Her first book “Making Mobiles. Create Beautiful Polish Pajaki from Natural Materials” has been published in May 2021.
During this 2 day workshop, Karolina will take you on a magical journey into Polish folk art. You will learn about forgotten crafts and create a beautiful and unique pajak chandelier made from rye straw and paper pompoms to adorn your house just in time for Christmas - or to offer as a gift.
Pajaki (pah-yonk-ee) are traditional Polish chandeliers and their history dates back to the mid 18th century. They were made by country women as decorations for their homes especially around Christmas, Easter, as well as for weddings, christenings and times of celebration. Suspended from the ceiling in a main room, amongst colourful paper cut-outs, paintings and paper flowers, they became a popular decoration in polish village houses. They were a symbol of harvest and happiness in the New Year. Today the tradition is practised less and less, but Karolina works to keep the pajaki tradition alive!
Come to gather and create together, on this warm and welcoming winter retreat complete with food, folk music and plenty of festive spirit!
The workshop welcomes and is suitable for all levels. It runs from 11am-4pm on Saturday & Sunday & attendance on both days is required.
…
Day 1
Karolina will begin by introducing you to unique Polish folk crafts and Christmas customs, before guiding you through the process of designing your own pajak chandelier. She will have on hand her favourite folk books and festive decorations for you to get some inspiration from.
Inspired by old traditional designs, you’ll then sketch your ideas for your pajak. An important part of a process is choosing your colour scheme. It's one of Karolina's favourite steps and she has an amazing collection of tissue paper, so there will be many colour options to choose from!
You will then begin working with rye straw to build the pajak’s structure of the upper and lower arms by the end of the day.
Day 2
On Sunday, you’ll focus on decorating your pajak with pompoms. Paper pompoms come in different shapes and sizes, and Karolina will share her secrets on how best to make them. She learnt many techniques from visiting various artists in Poland. The twisting of paper to craft the pompoms is one of Karolina’s favourite moments, as it is a very relaxing and therapeutic process. You are also welcome to create some of your own decorations to add to your pajak inspired by books and folk references on hand.
By the end of the day, you will create a unique pajak chandelier. You will also gain knowledge which lets you make more pompoms, garlands and pajaki in various styles in the future.
..
All materials, refreshments & a simple vegetarian lunch will be provided on each day over the weekend.
Please note: The workshop weekend is limited to 8 places to ensure a more intimate experience. If dates need to change, you’ll be able to swap to the new date or obtain a refund if you’re unable to make the new date. Should you need to cancel your booking, we will try our best to fill your spot, otherwise tickets are non-refundable.
…
Stay with us:
During this retreat weekend, participents are invited to stay & book into an all-inclusive weekend package that includes a two-night B&B stay at Kindred House (Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd November), along with full access to the weekend workshops. Guests can also request to stay on the Sunday night to best suit their travel arrangements.
Kindred House is offered not only as a space to retreat to, but also to connect within as we invite our guests to be active participants in cultivating our community. Our workshops & various events play a key role in the spirit of Kindred House, in crafting an environment that actively inspires & encourages connection, creativity & learning.
Our retreat weekends make a wonderful gift to oneself or a thoughtful offering to a loved one. They provide an ideal opportunity for a weekend getaway in our sanctuary beside the sea, whilst having the opportunity to get creative, learn a new skill & make new friends along the way.
Rooms are limited & tend to get booked quickly so get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
…
About your teacher: Karolina Merska
Karolina Merska is originally from Poland and moved to the UK in 2007 shortly after obtaining an MA in History of Art at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow.
Inspired by Polish folk art, she started making pajaki chandeliers in 2015. Today the tradition is practised less and less. She keeps pajaki tradition alive.
Her work has been celebrated internationally and publicised by Channel 4, The World of Interiors, House and Garden, Elle Decoration, The Telegraph, Time Out, Harper’s Bazaar and many more. Exhibitions featuring Karolina’s work include the London Design Festival, London Craft Week, Bengaluru ByDesign Festival.
Karolina loves sharing her knowledge and teaches pajaki workshops in her studio in East London and around the world. Since 2019 she also runs her online shop Folka, where she presents unique folk crafts.
Her first book “Making Mobiles. Create Beautiful Polish Pajaki from Natural Materials” has been published in May 2021.
During this 2 day workshop, Karolina will take you on a magical journey into Polish folk art. You will learn about forgotten crafts and create a beautiful and unique pajak chandelier made from rye straw and paper pompoms to adorn your house just in time for Christmas - or to offer as a gift.
Pajaki (pah-yonk-ee) are traditional Polish chandeliers and their history dates back to the mid 18th century. They were made by country women as decorations for their homes especially around Christmas, Easter, as well as for weddings, christenings and times of celebration. Suspended from the ceiling in a main room, amongst colourful paper cut-outs, paintings and paper flowers, they became a popular decoration in polish village houses. They were a symbol of harvest and happiness in the New Year. Today the tradition is practised less and less, but Karolina works to keep the pajaki tradition alive!
Come to gather and create together, on this warm and welcoming winter retreat complete with food, folk music and plenty of festive spirit!
The workshop welcomes and is suitable for all levels. It runs from 11am-4pm on Saturday & Sunday & attendance on both days is required.
…
Day 1
Karolina will begin by introducing you to unique Polish folk crafts and Christmas customs, before guiding you through the process of designing your own pajak chandelier. She will have on hand her favourite folk books and festive decorations for you to get some inspiration from.
Inspired by old traditional designs, you’ll then sketch your ideas for your pajak. An important part of a process is choosing your colour scheme. It's one of Karolina's favourite steps and she has an amazing collection of tissue paper, so there will be many colour options to choose from!
You will then begin working with rye straw to build the pajak’s structure of the upper and lower arms by the end of the day.
Day 2
On Sunday, you’ll focus on decorating your pajak with pompoms. Paper pompoms come in different shapes and sizes, and Karolina will share her secrets on how best to make them. She learnt many techniques from visiting various artists in Poland. The twisting of paper to craft the pompoms is one of Karolina’s favourite moments, as it is a very relaxing and therapeutic process. You are also welcome to create some of your own decorations to add to your pajak inspired by books and folk references on hand.
By the end of the day, you will create a unique pajak chandelier. You will also gain knowledge which lets you make more pompoms, garlands and pajaki in various styles in the future.
..
All materials, refreshments & a simple vegetarian lunch will be provided on each day over the weekend.
Please note: The workshop weekend is limited to 8 places to ensure a more intimate experience. If dates need to change, you’ll be able to swap to the new date or obtain a refund if you’re unable to make the new date. Should you need to cancel your booking, we will try our best to fill your spot, otherwise tickets are non-refundable.
…
Stay with us:
During this retreat weekend, participents are invited to stay & book into an all-inclusive weekend package that includes a two-night B&B stay at Kindred House (Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd November), along with full access to the weekend workshops. Guests can also request to stay on the Sunday night to best suit their travel arrangements.
Kindred House is offered not only as a space to retreat to, but also to connect within as we invite our guests to be active participants in cultivating our community. Our workshops & various events play a key role in the spirit of Kindred House, in crafting an environment that actively inspires & encourages connection, creativity & learning.
Our retreat weekends make a wonderful gift to oneself or a thoughtful offering to a loved one. They provide an ideal opportunity for a weekend getaway in our sanctuary beside the sea, whilst having the opportunity to get creative, learn a new skill & make new friends along the way.
Rooms are limited & tend to get booked quickly so get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
…
About your teacher: Karolina Merska
Karolina Merska is originally from Poland and moved to the UK in 2007 shortly after obtaining an MA in History of Art at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow.
Inspired by Polish folk art, she started making pajaki chandeliers in 2015. Today the tradition is practised less and less. She keeps pajaki tradition alive.
Her work has been celebrated internationally and publicised by Channel 4, The World of Interiors, House and Garden, Elle Decoration, The Telegraph, Time Out, Harper’s Bazaar and many more. Exhibitions featuring Karolina’s work include the London Design Festival, London Craft Week, Bengaluru ByDesign Festival.
Karolina loves sharing her knowledge and teaches pajaki workshops in her studio in East London and around the world. Since 2019 she also runs her online shop Folka, where she presents unique folk crafts.
Her first book “Making Mobiles. Create Beautiful Polish Pajaki from Natural Materials” has been published in May 2021.
