A few years, or rather decades, have passed since I began my training as a basket maker at the state vocational school in Lichtenfels. It took 28 years until I returned to the profession I originally trained in and took the step into self-employment in 2011. Below are a few stages in my basket making life.
1980-1983
Training as a basket maker
That’s how it all began. Three years of training as a basket maker at the Lichtenfels School of Basketry, culminating in a state-recognised qualification and a journeyman’s certificate
1983
Working in the automotive supply industry
After completing my apprenticeship as a basket maker, I spent many years working in the automotive industry. When the first rumours began to circulate about possible site closures and redundancy payments were being discussed, I decided to return to the trade I had trained in – basket making.
February 2011
Taking the plunge into self-employment
From working three shifts a day to running my own business. It took 28 years before I finally took the plunge and was able to return to my true calling – basket-making, a craft I do with passion and dedication
August 2011
Out in the open
Instead of just working in the workshop, Ralf persuaded me to show off my wickerwork in public for the very first time. I didn’t want to at first, but Ralf wouldn’t give up, and in the end I actually survived my first public appearance.
September 2011
Working with willow
Twenty-eight years after completing my vocational training, I have to learn how to work with willow all over again.
October 2011
Chair caning
Even after 28 years, I haven’t forgotten how to do Viennese caning
November 2011
Fine wickerwork
Stripped willow, a willow splitter, a willow plane, wooden moulds and a great deal of patience – that is what fine wickerwork made from hand-made willow strips entails. Given the effort involved, the results are priceless these days. But I can still do it.
April 2012
The very first market
How do you get your baskets out to the public? The only way is through markets – so a marquee was bought, the internet was scoured for potential dates, and applications were sent out. Today, we smile when we look back on those early days as market stallholders.
June 2012
A typical pub idea
The very first basket-weaving class was held on a whim. Antom’s Pub in Wippenbach
September 2013
Further training
At the Franco-German Basket Weaving Festival in Ludwigsburg, I signed up for the ‘Panier à jour’ course with Valerie Testu. A completely different weaving technique. Two days of classes to make one basket.
April 2014
Farmers’ Market
Taking part as a stallholder at the farmers’ market in Bad Salzhausen was quite a challenge at first. They didn’t want arts and crafts. But I managed to convince the organisers of the value of my craft. And ever since then, I’ve been there regularly from March to October.
January 2017
Wetterau Original
At the Wetterau District’s New Year’s reception, I was presented with the ‘Wetterau Original’ certificate by the then District Administrator. This label guarantees that my wickerwork is handcrafted in the Wetterau region.
December 2017
Establishment of a shop collective
An idea has been put into practice. A collective of shops specialising in various trades has taken on a shop. This keeps costs down for each individual.
February 2020
Community shop is moving
Off to Nidda with the community shop. The shop’s opening was celebrated with great optimism.
March 2020
And suddenly…
…the shop has to close. Covid-19 brings lockdowns, social distancing measures and the cancellation of markets; I have to cancel my basket-weaving classes. A constant back-and-forth begins with rules and relaxations.
January 2022
The Future
As the saying goes: focus on what really matters. And that is exactly what I intend to do from now on. I will therefore be leaving the community shop at the end of February. Over the past two years, at least as far as the community shop is concerned, the pandemic has caused a great deal of frustration. There has been constant back-and-forth with rules, restrictions and easing of measures. As a small business owner, I haven’t always been able to make sense of the decisions made by politicians over the past two years. For me, one door is closing, but another is bound to open. I’m optimistic about that. I am and always will be a basket weaver with heart and soul.
February 2022
Eleven years ago today
I embarked once again on the adventure of basket weaving. Working as a self-employed person on a part-time basis and as a small business owner, I initially just wanted to weave away quietly to myself. At the time, I hadn’t given markets or courses a second thought. After working in the automotive industry for over 20 years and realising that my job was likely to be made redundant by my employer, I decided to return to my original trade, as I had learnt the craft of basket-making from 1980 to 1983 at the basket-making school in Lichtenfels, where training is still provided today.
March 2022
The decision has been made
On 1 March, after four years, I will be leaving the shop collective to focus exclusively on my basket-making business once again. My last day working in the shop in Nidda will be on 24 February. You can still find me selling my basketry at the usual markets in the area, starting with the first farmers’ market in Bad Salzhausen on 6 March from 10 am to 5 pm in the lower spa gardens.
April 2022
I’m particularly looking forward to this
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many events had to be cancelled. Among them were three that I’d already been looking forward to in 2020. But they’re now firmly scheduled for 2022, and I hope they can actually go ahead. The Guild and Crafts Market in Seligenstadt on 21–22 May, the Wickerworkers’ Gathering and Basket Market in Bouxurulles on 28–29 May, combined with a short camping trip in the Vosges. And the lovely little medieval market in Himbach on 30–31 July.
May 2022
It’s never happened in 11 years
I’ve never had to cancel a market before because I’ve run out of most of my wickerwork. My display now looks almost like the shelves in some supermarkets. So first I need to soak the willow, and then weave baskets until my fingers bleed.
January 2023
Only cotton braiding tape now
As I mentioned in this post, natural rattan for chair weaving is no longer available in the quality I’m used to. My last few chair-weaving projects were simply a nightmare for me. I always had to throw away a good half of every 200-gram roll of rattan. The cost alone is a factor I cannot ignore… For this reason, I have decided today to say goodbye to cane for good and to use only cotton braided cord for chair caning from now on. This saves my nerves whilst caning, and the customer still gets a sturdy chair caning at the same price and with the same look.
May 2023
Bouxurulles
As part of a short camping holiday, we visited the basket market in Bouxurulles, France. For four days, this small village celebrates the craft of basket-making with international basket weavers.
February 2024
13 years
Thirteen years ago, I decided to return to work as a basket maker and took the plunge into self-employment. It’s a decision I haven’t regretted to this day. Not least because Ralf has been by my side right from the start.
July 2024
A moment of shock
Out of the blue, and thanks to a very attentive GP, Ralf was diagnosed with a heart attack. He had to have immediate surgery, and then it was a case of waiting to see how things would turn out.
Needless to say, my work and the markets took a back seat for the time being.
In the end, however, everything turned out well, and 2½ months later we were able to enjoy our holiday in Corsica together.
February 2025
It’s been 14 years now
I’ve been working as a basket weaver again since 1 February 14 years ago. And for the most part, I still enjoy it. Sometimes, though, I don’t. Fortunately, those moments are rare. My husband Ralf is still by my side, supporting me wherever he can.
May 2025
A visit to Bouxurulles
We combined our trip to Bouxurulles with a short break and did a bit of camping in Charmes.
It was lovely to be able to relax for a few days and make some nice contacts with the basket weavers in Bouxurulles.
May 2026
Since October 2025…
…I’ve been off work time and again for health reasons and have unfortunately had to cancel quite a few appointments. On one occasion, I even had to be taken to hospital by ambulance. And I’m still not really back to full health.
June 2026
Out of the Spa Gardens
As the Spa Gardens and the sites for the 2027 State Garden Show are being redeveloped, the farmers’ market will now take place on Kurallee and in front of the Kurhaus Hotel.
July 2026
A voluntary break
It was clear that I would need an operation at some point. To ensure that the operation didn’t clash with our holiday, we decided to go ahead with it now. I’ve now had four days in hospital and an operation using the Da Vinci method, and now it’s time for some rest and recuperation.