Helen Piczak

Traditional handicrafts are still popular in Poland, although the way of life is changing for many people and some crafts are dying out.  In the Raba Valley, however, many people live by, and work at, traditional handicrafts. Visit rabavalley.co.uk for more information on visiting the Raba Valley in southern Poland.

Paper stars take time: Polish farmer's wives used to have lots of time during the long winter months when there was little outdoor work to do.  Now, fewer people live by subsistence farming so there is less spare time available.  

These paper stars have been made by Helen Piczak, an English woman who moved to Poland 11 years ago, and her daughters, Alix and Marysia.  Helen farms fruit, teaches English, runs a guesthouse - 'Raba 500' , makes theatrical clothing for local schools and in her spare time, makes patchwork quilts and paper stars.

The paper stars can be used as Christmas tree decorations, in flower arrangements, as wedding or other party table decorations, or as a decorative addition to a present - you could hang one round the neck of a bottle of wine. 

In most cases, only one pack of 6 stars is available in any design.  When we sell a pack of stars, we will mark that colour-way as 'SOLD' on the 'Colour charts' so if you see a star that you want, order it quickly!  Your pack of stars will be UNIQUE.  

N.B. Paper stars are inflammable and may catch fire if you place then next to a naked flame.  They should be stored in a box when not in use, otherwise they may get squashed.  They will not survive down the back of the sofa.

POLISH STARS - made in Poland, by English workers.  

Click on 'Colour Charts'  to select and order your stars.