In Calvados, they pass on ancestral know-how to children

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At the heart of the literary universe of La Biblioseraie in Thury-Harcourt (Calvados), a place that is both a bookstore and a workshop space, a new activity takes shape for the youngest. From this start of the school year, every Wednesday, Vincent Schaming, a passionate 35-year-old basket maker, offers basketry workshops specially designed for children aged 8 and over.

Already well known for his workshops aimed at adults, Vincent opened courses in January 2023 which quickly found their audience in Norman Switzerland.

“Adapted” creations

“I was waiting to find creations suitable for young peoplesimple but still rewarding,” he explains.

It is a specific request which sparked this new offer: “A parent asked me if their 10-year-old child could try it. He successfully made a small basket, which gave me the idea of ​​developing this activity for children. »

These workshops for children, lasting three hourstake place every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a snack offered at 4 p.m. For €35, children can learn the art of wicker weaving and leave with their creation.

“The objective is to introduce them to the basics of basketry, ancestral know-howwhile having fun. No prerequisites are necessary, and all materials are provided. »

From wicker to work

Vincent, who grows his own wicker in Allier, a respectful approach of nature and tradition. “I bought damp land in a basin where I planted cuttings in 2018. Each year, the wicker grows back, and I harvest between 300 and 500 kg,” he explains.

This wicker is then dried for six months at La Biblioseraie.

The wicker must be re-soaked to work with it and restore its suppleness, hence the importance of reserving a month in advance.

The artist introduces children to the history of basketry and shows them how to work this natural material to create useful and aesthetic objects, such as baskets or baskets, or even bird feeders.

“The wicker I use is very strong and, depending on the variety, it can be different colors, from green to red to blue/purple,” he explains. For the white baskets, Vincent uses a special tool to peel the wicker.

Workshops for adults still in place

In addition to these new workshops for children, Vincent continues to offer courses for adults every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the price of €85. These sessions allow three participants to immerse themselves for a whole day in the world of braiding and leave with a unique handmade work.

As places are limited to three children or three adults per workshop, it is recommended to book one month in advance. Bibiloseraie, 7, rue Raoul-Tesson, in Thury-Harcourt, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Contact: 06 68 13 79 90. Email: [email protected]

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