Creative hands create masterpieces: basket-making course inspires in Stainz!

Creative hands create masterpieces: basket-making course inspires in Stainz!

Last weekend, eleven rural youth participants from the Deutschlandsberg district gathered in the workshop of the Stainz agricultural college for a special course on basket weaving. Under the motto “Let’s do something,” they learned the basic techniques of this traditional craft from course leader Claudia Stolzer. Stolzer not only gave the course participants an insight into the history of basket making, but also gave them the skills necessary to weave baskets on their own. At the end of the event, the participants were proud to present their self-made works and received much praise for their efforts.

There was great enthusiasm for basket weaving among the participants. Many of them have already expressed the desire to pursue further projects in this area and to expand on their newly acquired knowledge. Stolzer, who has been active under the name “AugenWEIDEN-Flechtkunst” since 2017, has not only established herself as a basket weaver, but also with her book “Basket weaving made easy – with garden decorations & Co.” made a name. In this work you will find step-by-step instructions for processing willow into baskets, decoration and privacy screens, supplemented by valuable tips on willow procurement and project planning. The book also contains information about the necessary tools and equipment in the workshop. Anyone interested can purchase it for 22 euros and will find valuable advice and instructions in it.

The art of basket weaving

Basket weaving is a craft that requires patience, concentration and a certain level of creativity. With just six basic tools, including scissors, knives and punches, basket weavers can use traditional techniques to create high-quality products. Unlike industrially made baskets, which are often made of inferior material, handcrafting basket weaving is essential as machines cannot achieve the same quality, especially when it comes to the irregular willow branches.

However, nowadays it is difficult to gain a foothold in the field of basket weaving. The number of active basket makers and businesses is decreasing, and only around two dozen full members are active in the Baden-Württemberg Basket Weavers Guild. The artistic component of the profession was recognized in 2006 when it was renamed “wickerwork designer”. However, this development also reflects the challenges faced by this traditional craft profession. In particular, growing competition from modern materials and plastics has greatly impacted the market for traditional baskets, leaving many basket weavers in the position of having to increase their working hours, often to 10 to 14 hours per day, to make ends meet.

Nevertheless, the craft of basket weaving remains alive. With dedicated courses like the one in Stainz, new generations are introduced to this tradition. Such initiatives not only preserve knowledge of the craft, but also promote appreciation for the unique and lovingly designed products.

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