Willow Weaving Workshops in Słodków Drugi – an intergenerational gathering at the local community hall
There are some events that leave you heading home with a new skill, a basket you have made with your own hands, and the realisation that you really can weave almost anything from willow – and that it is not nearly as difficult as it might seem.
On 16 September 2026, we had the great pleasure of running willow weaving workshops in Słodków Drugi, organised by the “Razem” Rural Women’s Association (KGW) with financial support from Kraśnik Municipality.
From the very first few minutes, it was clear that this was going to be a lively afternoon. Twenty-seven enthusiastic participants. Willow, tools and the first weaves appeared on the tables… quickly followed by questions:
“Is it really supposed to look like this?”
“Why is my willow rod going in a different direction?”
“Mine looks a little different – is that all right?”
Of course it is. Willow weaving teaches patience, but even more importantly, it encourages creativity.
Several generations around one table
One of the best things about gatherings like this is that willow weaving workshops have no age limit.
Around the same table, you can find people who remember traditional wicker baskets being used in almost every household alongside participants holding a willow rod for the very first time.
People start helping one another. Someone holds a structure steady, someone else demonstrates their own way of guiding the weave, while another person jokes that their basket “has character” because no two sides look quite the same.
And that is when something far more important than weaving itself begins to happen.
Craft becomes a way of bringing generations together.
Why are willow weaving workshops so good at bringing people together?
When you are weaving, there is no need to think of something to talk about. Conversation simply happens.
Hands stay busy while stories, memories, jokes and ideas begin to make their way around the table. People who had never met before find themselves comparing their baskets a few hours later as though they were old friends.
Craft workshops:
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help build relationships between generations,
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teach patience and concentration,
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offer a break from phones and the rush of everyday life,
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develop creativity and manual skills,
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provide the satisfaction of making something with your own hands,
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show that traditional crafts can be an excellent way of bringing people together today.
And the best moment?
It is when someone starts the workshop by saying, “I don’t think I can do this,” and a few hours later walks out carrying their own handmade wicker basket – convinced that, actually, they now know how to weave.
Traditional craft with a very contemporary purpose
At The Wicker Stories, we want to show that willow weaving does not belong only in museums or old photographs.
It is a living craft that can still bring people together, inspire creativity and create a unique atmosphere at community events, company gatherings, family occasions and team-building activities.
That is why we organise our willow weaving workshops for a wide range of groups – from children and adults to seniors. No previous experience is required. All you need is enthusiasm, a little patience and the willingness to accept that, after a few hours, you may start looking at every willow rod with a completely new sense of respect.
Słodków Drugi – plenty of willow and even more positive energy
Our workshop with the members of the “Razem” Rural Women’s Association was exactly the kind of gathering we enjoy most: plenty of hands-on work, plenty of conversation, lots of laughter and even more beautiful handmade wicker bags.
There was also an excellent spread of homemade food prepared by the ladies from the association. And we have to admit – competing with homemade treats prepared by a Polish Rural Women’s Association is considerably more difficult than weaving even the most complicated basket.
We would like to sincerely thank KGW “Razem” in Słodków Drugi for the invitation, excellent organisation and wonderful atmosphere, and Kraśnik Municipality for supporting the initiative.
Events like this are the best reminder that traditional craft can be about much more than learning a technique. It can become a meeting of people, generations and stories around one table. And somewhere in between – naturally – there is plenty of willow.
Willow Weaving Workshops – The Wicker Stories
If you are looking for an idea for team-building workshops, workshops for Rural Women’s Associations, seniors, families, schools, companies or local communities, get in touch with The Wicker Stories.
We organise practical willow weaving workshops where participants learn the basics of traditional weaving techniques and create their own handmade willow pieces.
You can find more information about our workshops at Warsztaty z Wikliny – The Wicker Stories.
Links to the event with KGW “Razem”
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1esroi5pVQ/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19VWBaPzeN/
