Pajaki-a-palooza!

Happy Nearly New Year's! We hope you've had lovely holiday season with friends and family. Before we officially welcome 2015, we have just enough time to make, you guessed it, a pajaki. (Obviously!) Sommer's tutorial for this traditional (and beautiful) Polish craft is below. Give it a whirl! 

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A pajaki is a Polish paper chandelier. Though traditionally a Christmas decoration, I think it's the perfect project for the New Year. Not only can you use up all your crafting left overs, but you ring in the New Year celebrating patience, balance and beauty. The finished product reminds me of a whimsical fairyland carousel!

What you'll need:

- patience

- small bits of paper (These can be scraps, or check out On Paper for their selection of colorful and handmade papers.)

- hot glue gun

- extra large hole punch (You could cut circles, but this makes it easier.)

- string (or ribbon)

- a circle or two created from wire (I used embroidery hoops that I picked up at a garage sale ages ago.)

- straws (I used paper straws purchased from On Paper. Ikea always has nice colored straws, too.)

- additional decorations to beautify

Begin by creating equal lengths of string or ribbon. Thread your circles and straws and then tie these strings to your circle hoop. Balance is key. I actually had to start over a few times before getting it right, so perhaps little alligator clips might be helpful as you get your tie points established. Then start building. Let creativity take over. In the case of pajaki I truly feel that more is more. There's no room for understated here. I used a glue gun to add little sparkling bows, that I cut from metallic twist. Add on as you see fit. I created a 2 tier one but certainly these could get longer if your heart desires.

And a few suggestions:

- This project would probably benefit from being done in a group; I found it awkward to tie and hold the threaded objects on at the same time. So, invite some friends over and...

- Take your time.

Yuletide Ohio Pride

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Cozy greetings, readers! It’s been a little while since we last posted, but we’re glad to be back and sharing a little yuletide Ohio pride. That is, we’ve got a fabulous collection of gifts that celebrate and/or are made in the Buckeye State—and some that were made right here in the shop! 

Among our favorite customizable items are the coordinates pillows which pinpoint Columbus in latitude and longitude for loved ones faraway or friends down the street. If Columbus isn’t your city, we can order pillows with the coordinates of whatever city, landmark or address you choose. Another favorite design is the postage cancellation pillow which can feature a name, city and zip. Take a look below! For custom orders around the holidays, it’s best to order as soon possible (like now), but we can also provide a certificate to present to your recipient letting them know an order has been placed and will arrive shortly.

We love our family necklaces which are beautiful as they are meaningful and made in nearby Granville, Ohio. Names or words can be stamped on antique metal charms, then paired with birthstones to create a one-of-a-kind piece that represents each member of the family and important events. Another reason to love these? Because the artist is local, we can have your necklace finished and to you lickety-split; give yourself four days between placing and receiving the order (longer if outside the Columbus area).

For the OSU fans in your life we’ve got handsome and handy pewter key chains, corkscrews, picture frames and the jolliest of all: the decanter set so you can really celebrate football, basketball or just Monday.

One of the most popular items in the shop are our shabby chic OH-IO signs. We love them for their simplicity and eco-friendliness; all the wood is reclaimed, so each piece is unique.

We’re also pretty proud of the Ohio themed stationery and holiday card sets designed right here at On Paper. You can give the stationery and send the cards for a downright Oh-ho-ho-io holiday. Perfect!

Bundle up, we can’t wait to see you in the shop!