Pajaki Paper Chandelier Project
Time: 2-3 Class Periods
Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Cleanup: Soap & Water
Materials:
Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Cleanup: Soap & Water
Materials:
Flat Reed
Hemp
Non-Bleeding Tissue Paper in assorted colors
Artstraws Paper Tubes
Needle
Pony Beads in assorted colors
Scissors/Craft Knife
Ruler
Glue
Stapler
Tempera Paint
Brushes
Pencil or Marker
Tape
Steps
Step 1Cut your choice of colored tissue paper into 2” squares. In our example, we used 66 squares to make 20 flowers; 2 flowers with 6 layers and 18 flowers with 3 layers.
Step 2Place 3 squares on top of each other and fold in half.
Step 3Fold the squares in half again and turn 45° so that you have a "diamond" shape. Make sure the folded edge is at the bottom, not the top.
Step 4Fold the diamond in half. Create a rounded shape by trimming off the open end at the top. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to make the rest of the flowers, leaving each flower folded together – they will be unfolded and strung later.
Step 5Cut a 20" length of 1/2" wide flat reed.
Step 6Use the reed to form a 6" hoop, overlapping the edges by 1". Glue the overlapping edges together, then staple to add strength.
Step 7Paint the reed with tempera paint and let dry. Use a ruler to divide the hoop into 6 sections, drawing lines on the hoop with a pencil or marker.
Step 8Select 6 Artstraws and cut each into 5 pieces, approximately 3" long.
Step 9Cut 3 lengths of hemp, each should measure 72” long. Fold the lengths in half. Approximately 3" from the folded ends, tie the lengths together with a knot, creating a loop for hanging. You should now have 6 strands hanging down from the loop.
Step 10Thread all 6 strands on to a weaving needle. Use the needle to poke a hole in the center of a 6-layer flower and thread the flower. Shape and crumple the flower on the needle for texture before threading it all the way to the top loop. Add a pony bead spacer. Then separate the 6 strands.
Step 11On one of the 6 strands, thread a straw piece, followed by a 3-layer flower and a pony bead. Add a second straw piece, 3-layer flower, and pony bead. Thread the third straw piece, then add 3 pony beads.
Step 12Tie the strand to the hoop on one of the 6 marks. Repeat steps 11 and 12 until all 6 strands are tied to the hoop, with the extra hanging down below the hoop.
Step 13On the other side of the hoop, take one strand and thread 3 pony beads. Follow with a straw piece, a flower, a pony bead and another straw piece. Repeat step 13 until all 6 strands are complete. You may want to turn the Pajaki upside down for this step, as our picture shows. Otherwise, use a piece of tape to hold all the pieces in place while you string the other strands.
Step 14Thread all 6 strands through the needle, then thread the second 6-layer flower. Add 3 more pony beads and tie all 6 strands into a knot. Trim any excess to finish.