Meet Danni Gauld, the creative force behind Yonk by Danni. You may have already spotted her magical paper chandeliers hanging from the ceiling of our Sage x Clare store in Lorne.
These traditional Polish folk Pajaki are a slow, considered labour of love - handmade from straw and paper, and traditionally hung in homes as symbols of celebration, abundance and beauty.
With a background in visual merchandising, Danni’s journey into this craft began unexpectedly while helping us bring our Lorne store to life through an experimental installation. In that moment of making and discovery, she realised she had found something truly special.
Step inside her colourful studio and family home in Geelong, as we explore the process behind her Pajaki creations, her approach to interiors, and the rituals that ground her in creativity and self-care.
Follow Danni's journey on Instagram here.
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Danni from Yonk By Danni. I make paper chandeliers called Pajaki.
Your journey with Pajaki chandeliers began in quite an unexpected way - can you tell us more about how your small business, Yonk, was born?
When Phoebe was opening the Sage x Clare store in Lorne she was after a special installation, she mentioned that she had always loved Pajaki. To be honest, I had to look up what they were - and oh my… I loved them straight away. I said, “Yes, I’ll have a go at making them.” What followed was a spiral of experimenting, refining and pulling things apart and rebuilding until they felt right. I’m truly in my happy place creating these beauties. I’m so thankful, Phoebe has given me a wonderful gift in opening my world to Pajaki. I’m really enjoying learning, experimenting and creating.
Your chandeliers are made from straw, paper, beads and other materials - can you describe the process of making a Yonk piece from start to finish?
The starting point is working out the structure of the piece. Mostly some are based on a ring and others from a framework of straws threaded together. Once this is decided I then work out a colour story, I will pull all the different components into sample bowls and lay them out until I’m happy. Straws are cut to measurement using a guillotine and strung together to make the frames, tissue paper cut into circles, cut, twisted, folded and layered to make the paper pom poms. Wool pom poms are all made using a pom pom maker. Card stock is cut into strips and a hole punch is used to make the small discs Once the design and preparation work is done, then construction begins. Some designs take on their own life and come together during construction. As I grow into this craft, I am learning how different materials behave. I am researching different techniques and following what feels right for me. I find inspiration from Karolina Merska UK based Pajaki maker. I have her beautiful book – Making Mobiles.
How does one teach themselves to create such beautiful objects from scratch? Can you share a little about your background with handcrafted pieces and your love of making prior to starting Yonk?
I have always enjoyed creating and over the years I’ve had different opportunities to explore this. I started off as a florist, then spent around 10 years as a visual merchandiser and I am a mum of two kids (now 8 and 10) and we have done a lot playful experimental art projects - both in nature and at home.
These chandeliers carry a deep sense of heritage - what is the story behind them and what do they symbolise?
They date back to the 18th century Poland, the styles vary across different regions. They were originally created by rural women to bring happiness, health and prosperity to their home. They are a symbol of good luck, and were traditionally made for major holidays like Christmas and Easter, as well as life events.
Shop Sage x Clare apparel here.
Your Pajaki chandeliers created so much excitement when we first opened our Sage x Clare store in Lorne. Can you describe what it felt like seeing your work hanging from the ceiling and witnessing customers’ reactions?
The store is such blissful place to be in, it has an incredible vibe. It has been a privilege to have been a part of bringing Phoebe’s vision to life. I felt incredibly proud of my designs, I loved walking through the store with my family and it was a real buzz seeing customers happiness as they spotted them. Every time one of my pieces finds its way to a lovely customer, I feel a deep sense of joy.
As a mum of two, what are your go-to tips for creating children’s bedrooms that are as fun as they are functional?
I’ve always enjoyed bringing our kids rooms together. Creating a space that feels like their own, telling their story through photos, artwork, treasures found. A special space that they can come into and feel safe, loved and calm. I think celebrating things that are special to them by using pin boards, display shelving. Creating the space with them, storage options to keep things easier to manage.
Shop all Sage x Clare bedding here.
What is your relationship with interior styling? What’s your thought process when styling your own home?
I like our home to feel relaxed, calm, welcoming and not too serious. Our home isn’t filled with designer pieces. Rather a collection of things that hold special meaning to us. We really enjoy camping and spending weekends away in regional Vic. We love heading to local markets, supporting local makers and bringing home something special as a memory from the trip. I love having plants in the house, soft lighting through lamps. I am drawn to the colour of nature and pops of bright colour to add fun to our spaces.
Which pieces in your home feel most special to you and what stories do they carry?
Kids artwork, photos of family adventures, market finds while camping/ traveling
Shop apparel here, dining decor here and bathroom decor here.
Life can feel so busy and overwhelming at times - how do you switch off and unwind? What do your weekly moments of self-care look like?
Being outside has long been a way for me to unwind. It might be getting out in the garden with my morning coffee and being present in the moment, or heading out for walks as a family. We are lucky enough to be close to some spectacular locations, where we can take in a good dose of fresh air and nature. I was swimming regularly for a while; the feeling of being in the water, the sounds, the movement, and concentrating on my breathing was also a great way to switch off. I need to start swimming again. Creating sends me to a wonderful place. I love being in my studio, surrounded by Pajaki - they are fun and playful, and the space just feels so good.
What pieces from the new Sage x Clare collection are currently on your Mother’s Day wish-list?
OOH... So many lovely things to choose from really, that’s a hard question. The Mai Coatigan in Juniper for sure in. Also the Stella Cotton Quilt Cover in Spring Green.
Get in touch with Danni and follow her journey here.
Shop the Sage x Clare collection here.
With a whole lotta love xx