Willow to Bamboo: The Art of Basketry with Karelle
Step into the historic heart of French basketry with master artisan Karelle, just a few miles from Villaines-les-Rochers, the capital of French basketry. Learn to weave with willow and bamboo using traditional French and Japanese techniques, while discovering how to harvest and analyze various basket structures and weaves. Outside the studio, explore willow farms, the river, and the region’s celebrated wines and cuisine.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $2215
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $1260
Meet the Artist
Karelle is a French basketry artisan who works primarily with willow, bark, and reeds to create both functional and sculptural pieces. Her work incorporates a variety of traditional techniques such as weaving, coiling, and plaiting, adapted into contemporary forms. In recent years, she expanded her practice to include Japanese bamboo basketry techniques like teppachi, mutsume, and ajiro, which she studied during a transformative three-month residency in Japan. Bamboo’s demanding yet generous nature has opened new possibilities in her understanding of gesture, structure, and form.
Her collaborative spirit drives much of her creativity. She works closely with other artisans including ceramists and lighting designers to experiment with blending basketry and other crafts. She has also contributed to luxury prototyping projects for brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Delvaux.
Karelle views basketry as a living tradition passed down through generations and continually evolving. She warmly invites others to reconnect with their creative selves through their hands to honor nature, slow down, and pay close attention.
Her collaborative spirit drives much of her creativity. She works closely with other artisans including ceramists and lighting designers to experiment with blending basketry and other crafts. She has also contributed to luxury prototyping projects for brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Delvaux.
Karelle views basketry as a living tradition passed down through generations and continually evolving. She warmly invites others to reconnect with their creative selves through their hands to honor nature, slow down, and pay close attention.
VAWAA Includes:
- Explore the cultural and historical evolution of basketry, from prehistoric containers to Japanese bamboo art and French utility baskets.
- Engage in a creative process, from initial sketches and inspiration to crafting a personal piece with intention and expression.
- Learn to identify and work with key materials like willow, rattan, and bamboo, and how their form—rods, bark, splints, strips—shapes technique.
- Practice harvesting and preparing natural materials based on their state—fresh, dry, or rehydrated—including soaking, humidity balance, and storage.
- Learn foundational French clay-woven techniques (vannerie clayonnée) using white or raw willow to build round or oval forms.
- Practice Japanese triaxial patterns (mutsume-ami, kikko) with fine materials like willow bark or bamboo strips, focusing on rhythm, lightness, and precision.
- Sharpen observational skills by analyzing basket structures to identify materials, weaves, and construction methods.
- Join seasonal walks to gather natural materials like bark, vines, and wild willow.
- Visit a willow farm (oseraie) in Villaines-les-Rochers, the historic center of French basketry.
- Tour a professional basketry school to meet students and learn about contemporary training.
- Enjoy sketching or quiet reflection by the Loire River, a constant source of inspiration in Karelle’s work.
- Explore heritage crafts and nature trails within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park.
Explore Le Thoureil, Loire Valley
Le Thoureil is a small village located about a three-hour train ride southwest of Paris, nestled on the banks of the Loire River between Angers and Saumur in the Loire Valley. Known as the “Garden of France” for its lush nature, this peaceful village is marked by historic stone houses and the ever-changing light on the river.
This region is the historic heart of French basketry. Just a few miles away, in Villaines-les-Rochers, willow is still grown and harvested by hand, preserving traditions passed down through generations. Karelle sources her materials from these fields, embodying a strong commitment to sustainable craft and cultural heritage. Her studio is located within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park and holds the “Valeurs Parc naturel régional” label, underscoring this dedication.
Le Thoureil’s port serves as a popular launching point for canoe and kayak trips, offering visitors a chance to explore the Loire’s scenic wetlands and abundant wildlife. The village’s proximity to renowned châteaux and vineyards makes it an ideal base for day trips to experience the region’s rich history, celebrated wines, and local cuisine.
This region is the historic heart of French basketry. Just a few miles away, in Villaines-les-Rochers, willow is still grown and harvested by hand, preserving traditions passed down through generations. Karelle sources her materials from these fields, embodying a strong commitment to sustainable craft and cultural heritage. Her studio is located within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park and holds the “Valeurs Parc naturel régional” label, underscoring this dedication.
Le Thoureil’s port serves as a popular launching point for canoe and kayak trips, offering visitors a chance to explore the Loire’s scenic wetlands and abundant wildlife. The village’s proximity to renowned châteaux and vineyards makes it an ideal base for day trips to experience the region’s rich history, celebrated wines, and local cuisine.
Additional Details
Le Thoureil is especially lovely in autumn, winter, and spring, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are peaceful and inviting. These quieter seasons offer the perfect atmosphere to enjoy nature, local life, and meaningful creative time without the summer crowds or heat.
This VAWAA can be extended for up to 10 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children 12 years and older accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with special needs are welcome to participate. Please note that the studio has a single step at the entrance and is not wheelchair accessible.
Karelle is a native French speaker, fluent in English and German, and is learning Japanese.
This VAWAA can be extended for up to 10 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children 12 years and older accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with special needs are welcome to participate. Please note that the studio has a single step at the entrance and is not wheelchair accessible.
Karelle is a native French speaker, fluent in English and German, and is learning Japanese.