Wicker, Handbags and a Little Patience

On 13 and 14 June 2026, Rudnik nad Sanem once again proved that wicker is useful for far more than simply weaving baskets. It can be transformed into furniture, decorations, clothing and even an elegant handbag that could easily rival accessories found in fashionable boutiques. All you need are the right willow rods, skilful hands and a little patience – especially when the wicker seems to have its own ideas about the final shape of the piece.

During the event “Wickerwork – a Tradition That Lives On”, The Wicker Stories organised a series of wicker handbag weaving workshops. The sessions were led by our experienced instructors, Tomasz Sączawa and Wioletta Sączawa, who guided participants step by step through the secrets of this traditional craft.

At first, everything seemed wonderfully calm. The prepared materials were laid out on the tables, participants took their seats, and the instructors began explaining how to position and weave the willow rods correctly. After just a few minutes, however, it became clear that weaving a handbag is rather like having a conversation with wicker. Sometimes it needs to be persuaded, sometimes gently bent into place, and sometimes simply given a moment to “understand” what you expect from it.

Under the watchful eyes of Tomasz and Wioletta, each new row of weaving gradually began to form a clear and recognisable shape. Participants learnt how to arrange the stakes, maintain even tension throughout the weave and finish the edges neatly. There were plenty of questions, small adjustments and moments of intense concentration. There were also smiles, conversations and that special sense of satisfaction that comes when something truly unique begins to emerge from a bundle of seemingly ordinary willow rods.

The workshops resulted in a collection of elegant, handmade wicker handbags. Each one had its own individual character, because no two handcrafted pieces are ever exactly alike. That is precisely where the beauty of craftsmanship lies – every finished item carries the touch of the person who created it.

The workshops formed part of the local heritage celebration “Wicker 2026 Rudnik nad Sanem”. At the Municipal Sports and Recreation Centre, visitors could admire an extraordinary collection of wicker fashion created by our company, WickerPL Joanna Radomska, presenting the modern and artistic side of this traditional material.

The programme also included replicas of historic wicker furniture recreated from the catalogue of the Basket Makers’ Syndicate, an exhibition dedicated to the history of wickerwork in Rudnik nad Sanem, and works produced by pupils during the educational and artistic project “Talking About Wicker – Reading Values”.

The outfits created by our company also appeared in a wicker fashion show prepared by pupils from Public Primary School No. 2 in Rudnik nad Sanem. Wicker took to the catwalk in a completely new form, demonstrating that a traditional material can also be modern, artistic and wonderfully unexpected.

All the models proudly presented the wicker outfits handmade by WickerPL, which made their official debut during this celebration of wicker craftsmanship.

The event was accompanied by a wickerwork fair and performances by local music groups, young singers, dance ensembles, the Przędzelanki Rural Women’s Association and the Lasowianka Folk Band. The entire afternoon was filled with music, conversations and a shared discovery of a tradition that has been inseparably connected with Rudnik nad Sanem for generations.

We are delighted that The Wicker Stories was able to take part in this special event. Through the workshops led by Tomasz and Wioletta Sączawa, we were able to show that the best way to understand wickerwork is not simply to admire finished products, but to experience the craft first-hand.

After weaving a handbag with your own hands, you begin to look at every wicker basket with a much greater sense of respect.

And you never again say, “It’s only a few sticks.”

The event was organised as part of the project “Wickerwork – a Tradition That Lives On”, delivered by the RUDNIK Wicker Corporation with the support of the Municipal Cultural Centre in Rudnik nad Sanem.

The project was co-financed by the budget of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship as part of the “Cultural Patronage 2026” open funding programme.