GET TO KNOW ME: everything you need to know about wicker
Wicker is a material very close to our hearts.
We put our whole hearts into creating the bags and baskets we make for you.
We combine wicker with leather, metal and fabrics to best meet your expectations.
We choose the right forms, shapes and sizes. But what exactly is wicker?
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?
The beginnings of wickerwork date back to ancient times. Wicker products did not require
too great an outlay of resources, therefore they gained considerable popularity in most households.
Anyone with time and a bit of manual skills could create any furniture
or wicker storage baskets. Over time, more and more uses were found for this raw material.
Nowadays, wicker is also used as an energy biofuel in the chemical industry.
for obtaining, among others, cellulose, in basketry and ornamentation.
A SHORT LESSON ON WICKER GROWING
Long story short - wicker cultivation requires little energy and is safe
for the environment and only standard planting and harvesting machines are needed.
Isn't that wonderful? But let's get to the point! Willow is planted by hand in the spring, on properly prepared ground,
in the form of cuttings, i.e. from cut rods of older wicker. While the wicker grows,
it is necessary to take careful care of it: weeding, protection against pests, replanting.
The first effects of cultivation are usually visible after 2-6 years. When the willow reaches the appropriate size,
After this time, in the fall, we can start mowing.
WHAT NEXT?
The cut wicker is tied into bundles and placed vertically in the form of cones. The green wicker is sorted,
because of the size. Then, to get a light, brownish-orange color,
the wicker undergoes a process of cooking in special cauldrons and then debarking,
i.e. cleaning of the bark and bast. The wicker prepared in this way is left to dry naturally,
in the air, or artificially, i.e. in a drying room. This is a very important stage, protecting the wicker from rotting during storage.
WICKER STORAGE
Dried wicker is tied into sheaves. It is stored in rooms where there is no moisture. Such a room must be constantly monitored so that unwanted pests do not get there. However, if the stored wicker is freshly cut, green, the best place for it will be fresh air (in winter) and a cool room (in summer).
HOW ARE OUR BASKETS MADE?
Working with wicker is pure pleasure, but definitely requires patience. All our baskets are woven in the south of Poland by experienced craftsmen. This work is done exclusively by hand, using only
a few basic tools. Each model of wicker basket has its own wooden form, but you will not find two identical copies. The work of hands combined with the unique material of wicker ensures the uniqueness of each basket.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT CARE
The wicker from which the basket is made may have natural delamination.
and natural cracks, but don't worry - they add charm and unique character to the basket.
Over time, your wicker basket will change its shade slightly - usually darkening. To clean it, it is best to start
from removing dust with a vacuum cleaner or a brush designed for dusting. Wicker likes cleaning
dry or slightly damp cloth. Small hint: add to the water in which you soak the cloth
a little lemon juice - this will brighten the wicker. It is not afraid of water, so you can safely wear it
your baskets in the fall and winter (like Jane Birkin). It all sounds too perfect? Because it is.
So what should you watch out for? Wicker is a type of wood, so it is fragile, so
Do not throw the basket or place heavy objects on it to avoid it breaking.
Besides, we try to make our bags as wicker as possible, that's why
their hinges are made of the same material. When opening, for example, Ladybag Wicker Basket no.3, remember
to do it carefully and not to open the lid more than 90 degrees. Apart from that, as usual, our golden advice
to each product (and person): love them and they will stay with you for many years :)
Photos: Pinterest & Handicrafts