Wickerwork workshop

classes are conducted by occupational therapy instructor Dariusz Dolega
(graduate of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Warsaw)

WICKLINKING is one of the forms of artistic handicraft. It involves the production of decorative and utility items (baskets, flower pot covers, platters, caskets, photo frames, etc.) from wicker. Analogous to traditional wickerwork is the so-called paper wicker (weaving from waste paper using the wicker method). Paper is a great wickerwork material. Paper wicker is also gaining popularity thanks to its low production price, and the use of secondary raw materials (old newspapers and paper) has an ecological aspect.

In the studio, the art of weaving begins with paper wicker, which is a softer and more friendly material for a person starting to learn this handicraft. At this stage, participants will learn the basic principles of working with paper and creating paper wicker. They master and practice techniques useful in later work with natural wicker. The next stage of the classes is weaving decorative and utility items from paper wicker. Then, as they acquire and deepen their skills, participants start working with natural wicker. Class participants learn how to properly prepare material for work and, using previously learned weaving techniques, produce wicker objects.

CLASSES in the studio are characterized by great diversity, they teach concentration, develop visual memory and eye-hand coordination, and improve manual skills. The classes encourage participants to constantly improve their skills, basketry is a great training for people who have difficulty concentrating. Working with wicker takes place in stages, so people with different levels of advancement and manual skills can participate in the classes.

MATERIALS used in the workshop of various techniques
newspapers, paper, glue, skewer sticks, paints, varnishes and wicker

STAGES OF WORK in the laboratory of various techniques

• Occupational health and safety in the wickerwork workshop
  • getting acquainted with techniques, discussing weaving methods
  • preparing newspaper strips for weaving, twisting tubes, painting tubes
  • weaving containers from paper wicker
  • weaving containers from natural wicker