Pajaki Making Workshop with Karolina Merska.

The National Festival of Making

Learn how to make a Pajaki - a traditional Polish chandelier made from rye straw and paper with Karolina from Folka!

Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery

Pajaki (pah-yonk-ee) are traditional Polish chandeliers made from rye straw and paper. The chandeliers are decorated colourfully with traditional “kalinka” pom poms made from layers of hand-twisted tissue paper. Their history dates back to the mid-18th century and became a popular Polish decoration in homes for special occasions. Today the tradition is practised less and less however Karolina keeps the pajaki tradition alive.In this workshop, Karolina will introduce you to the rich history of the unique craft, you will learn some new skills and take a beautiful handmade colourful pajaki with you to decorate your house.

<h3>Workshop Information:</h3> <ul><li>These workshops are open to ages 18 and over.</li><li>Limited availability with 8 places.</li><li>This workshop will last approximately 6.5 hours including a lunch break (Please bring a packed lunch or choose from the many food options in Blackburn Town Centre).</li><li>Light refreshments will be provided, please let us know in advance of the workshop if you have any food allergies.</li><li>This workshop will take place on the ground floor of Blackburn Museum &amp; Art Gallery. There is ramp access to the building.</li><li>All materials will be provided.</li></ul> Photographs will be taken during the workshop and may be shared online, in print material and to promote the National Festival of Making and/Folka’s work in the future. Please let us know before or at the session if you would not like to be included in any photography. <h3>Ticket Prices:</h3> We have two ticket prices for this workshop - whichever you choose will give you the same workshop experience. General Tickets - £40Lower Cost Tickets - £10 Both ticket prices have been subsidised by our funding to allow more people to take part in making activities, however, one has been more subsidised than the other. The 'Lower Cost' ticket option is for those who don't feel able to pay £40 for the experience. The £10 ticket does not require any proof of status. It is self administered on a trust basis. We hope those who can will pay the standard workshop ticket price; and the affordable options will be accessed by those who need them. If you have any questions about ticket prices, please contact <a href="mailto:emma@decopublique.co.uk" title="mailto:emma@decopublique.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">emma@decopublique.co.uk</a> <h3>Workshop Times:</h3> The workshop will take place on Sunday 18th February, 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM including a lunch break. Please bring a packed lunch or choose from the many food options in Blackburn Town Centre. If you have purchased a ticket and are no longer able to attend one or both of the workshops, please request a refund so that the ticket may be available for someone else.

<h3>About Folka:</h3> FOLKA specialises in objects of modern craft, folklore and one-of-a-kind pieces with a focus on handmade, authentic folk art from Poland. Located in Stoke Newington in London they source and sell a range of unique ceramics, textiles, glassware, jewellery and stationery, as well as more unusual items. The name ‘folka’ is a portmanteau of Polka (Polish girl) and folk. The shop is run by Karolina Merska, an art historian. Karolina is also a pajaki maker and delivers workshops. <a href="https://folka.co/" title="https://folka.co/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Learn more about Folka</a> <h3>About the National Festival of Making:</h3> The National Festival of Making is a unique celebration of UK making, from the kitchen table to the factory floor. Presenting a programme of work that combines Art, Manufacturing, Making and Communities, we commission international and national artists to create world class works, a year round programme and a participatory FREE FAMILY festival for all to enjoy. <a href="https://festivalofmaking.co.uk/" title="https://festivalofmaking.co.uk/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Learn more about the National Festival of Making</a>