Women Wicker Basket Makers at work!

I wanted to see some of the woman craftsman at work. At the same time, i picked up a few weaving techniques - i'm not quite ready to make a basket, but with little more practice, I will be!

I will be bring some willow bark with me to Pennsylvania. I hope to take it to the Polish Language School in Doylestown, where i have been volunteering as a teacher's assistant in certain lower-grade classes. I would like to demonstrate to the kids the process of weaving willow into the beatutiful and practical baskets.

This craft has been such an important part of the south-eastern part of Poland. The craft has been passed from generation to generation. Many families support themselves by growing and preparing willow, and making baskets. Most of the basket makers that i've encountered are women. I support these smal women led businesses by purchasing their baskets, and selling them in America.