Who is a basket-maker and weaver and what do they do? The job of a basket-maker or basket-weaver is to make wicker and reed products.
What are the activities of the basket-maker and weaver? She/he prepares willow twigs by cutting, splitting, planing – makes carcasses of wicker furniture according to templates, weaves wicker armchairs – weaves wicker fancy goods, for instance, lamp shades, shopping bags and handbags with a variety of patterns and shapes – makes wicker linen baskets, baskets for industrial purposes, back-pack pigeon baskets, Christmas hampers – makes and weaves prams, cradles, swings and other furniture for children – shapes complex wicker and reed pieces of furniture and other items such as flower holders, for decorating walls.
Where is it done and under what conditions? In basket-making workshops where the working environment is fairly comfortable.
What tools/equipment do a basket-maker and weaver use? The tools most often used are looms for mats and fabrics, reed splitting, planing machines, wicker-boiling machines, conveyer belts, hand-operated tools and aids for weaving; he/she must be clever with his/her hands. The processed material is mainly willow twigs and reeds.
What do you need to succeed? You should have completed an apprenticeship, be skillful with your hands, have patience, aesthetic feeling, and good eyesight.