Spend an afternoon making with artist and designer Beci Orpin and take home a colourful hanging ornament you’ll be proud to say you made yourself.

In this three-hour workshop, you’ll discover the art of pająki, traditional Polish decorations crafted from straw, paper and thread. These intricate hanging structures brought colour to rural homes and marked celebrations, carrying associations with happiness, prosperity and hopes for a good harvest.

With Beci’s guidance, you’ll learn the fundamentals of pająki construction and create your own interpretation of this folk tradition. Explore colour, shape and decorative details, keeping your design simple or adding more elaborate embellishments to make it your own.

Pre-cut materials and templates will help you get started, with all materials supplied. There’s no need for prior experience, just a willingness to try something new and enjoy watching your creation take shape.

Come with a friend or take an afternoon for yourself. You’ll leave with new skills and a piece to hang in your home or give to someone special, carrying the story of an afternoon spent making it.

About Beci Orpin

Beci Orpin is a Melbourne-based artist, designer and author known for her distinctive use of colour, shape and playful imagery. Her books, including Find & Keep, Home and Make & Do, share her enthusiasm for bringing creativity into everyday life. Across more than 25 years, Beci has collaborated with Apple, Google and The Australian Ballet and led workshops for the National Gallery of Victoria and Craft Victoria. CMAG visitors may recognise her work from Bunny Dearest, featured in the Hop In! exhibition.