Make Paper Pajaki Chandeliers

A pajak (pronounced pie-yonk) is a traditional Polish chandelier dating back to the 18th century made of paper and rye straw. Women made them to decorate the home to bring good health and prosperity. Mia Semingson, artist, book binder, and owner of Two Hands Paperie in Boulder, Colorado, shows you how to construct two styles of pajaki (pie-yon-kee) - a traditional structure using traditional rye straws, and a more modern, geometric structure using paper straws. With the right measurements and a little math, you can make your pajak any size you wish. You'll also learn how to create a variety of festive and colorful paper decorations like fringe pom poms, paper cockades, and polish stars or hedgehog stars, as well as fun ways to combine them. There is plenty of room for creativity in this project, and Mia will give you all the skills and techniques to create your own unique paper chandeliers. Learn how to:

• Make pajaki paper chandeliers two ways
• Prep a metal hoop and a flat reed hoop
• Prep paper straws and natural rye straws
• Build a traditional pajak structure and a modern geometric structure
• Make simple paper decorations like pom poms, tassels, roses, and cockades
• Make more complex paper decorations like flower pom poms and Polish stars
• Plan your pajak design and attach decorations