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Basketry is one of those quiet arts that endures through time without losing its beauty.
It is the art of weaving plants to create everyday objects. This craft relies on vegetable weaving, using natural materials such as willow, rattan, rush, straw, or raffia. Simple and sustainable, traditional basketry connects craftsmanship, nature, and authenticity. Let’s take a closer look at this timeless craft.
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History and origins of basketry
Basketry is one of the world’s oldest traditional crafts. Long before metalwork or pottery, humans knew how to weave plants to create baskets, trays, and other useful everyday items. These simple yet ingenious gestures have survived through the centuries and are now part of France’s rural heritage.
In France, several regions have preserved this living know-how: Aube (Troyes), the Loire Valley, Villaines-les-Rochers, Dordogne, and Brittany. In every basketry workshop, artisans keep the tradition alive, working with willow, rush, rattan, raffia, bamboo, or rye straw.
Even today, the making of baskets and woven objects remains a beautiful example of the bond between nature, heritage, and artisanal creativity.
Focus on rye straw basketry
Rye straw basketry: between tradition and modernity
Among all plant fibers, rye straw holds a special place. Light, flexible, and naturally shiny, it lends itself perfectly to hand weaving. Once used in rural areas to make baskets and simple objects, it is now making a comeback thanks to its natural charm and eco-friendly qualities.
Rye straw basketry involves several key steps:
- Straw preparation
- Drying
- Weaving
- Binding
Each strand is carefully selected to bring to life unique woven pieces, whether practical (such as baskets, trays, or totes) or decorative — like lamps, mirrors, or furniture accents. This contemporary basketry stands out for its natural design and deep connection to artisanal décor.
Objects you can create with basketry
Basketry offers endless possibilities! With just a few strands of willow, rattan, or rye straw, you can make all kinds of useful or decorative objects.
The most popular are willow baskets, trays, and totes — perfect for markets or home use. But hand weaving also allows for more creative projects: woven mirrors, fiber lampshades, serving trays, planter covers, and even woven furniture.
Each piece is born from patient interlacing, where the flexibility and texture of the fibers create a unique charm. Whether functional or decorative, every creation reflects the artisan’s personality and the natural beauty of the material — making basketry both an ancient and distinctly modern art form.
Basketry: a true artisanal craft
Whether made from willow or rye straw, basketry remains a valuable artisanal skill. Each handmade creation is a living material — a unique object filled with history. By supporting basket makers and their workshops, we help preserve this simple, beautiful, and sustainable art.
GOOD TO KNOW! You can order your plant-based straw for basketry directly from our specialized store.