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, Karolina started making traditional straw & paper chandeliers called pajaki ((pah-yonk-ee) in 2015. Their history dates back to the mid 18th century. They were made by country women as decorations for their homes especially for Christmas, Easter, as well as for weddings and christenings. Suspended from a 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 New Year.

Pająki were not only colourful decorations. They had a symbolic meaning. People believed that rye straw, of which they were made of, had magical properties and would bring good crop, health and luck for the household.

Karolina loves sharing her knowledge and teaches pajaki workshops in her studio in East London and around the world.

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’s first book “Making Mobiles. Create Beautiful Polish Pajaki from Natural Materials” has been published in May 2021 in the UK. The book is now available in german.

Since 2019 she also runs her shop Folka in Stoke Newington in London, where she presents and revive unique traditional crafts including pajaki. 

Clients:

Toast Soho House William Morris Gallery Selvedge Magazine