Practicing for one's pleasure the gestures that once made it possible to make everyday or decorative objects, this is the creed of the "pastries of yesteryear" that are pottery and basketry:manual hobbies where everyone can find something for themselves, as well as creative activity as an educational or even therapeutic support in the context of rehabilitation.
Working with clay or wicker are relaxing practices whose "back to basics" aspect is not lacking in appeal these days. At school or at home, but also with various cultural associations, these disciplines have a certain success.
To make sculptures or practical objects, dishes or trinkets, creations in clay (clay) are ideal and can range from the simplest to the most complex. Bowls, vases, cups or pots are the n°1 of the beginner in pottery:they allow, if necessary, to learn how to use the wheel and the basic tools. It is also possible to model simple shapes and carve them – the use of a lathe is not essential in this case.
The "colombin" (earth sausage) technique remains the simplest method for creating basic objects:just put a few together to make a piece. The technique of turning is more perfected; the material to be provided is a bowl of water, a sponge, a wire to be cut and a tournassin (a kind of stylus which makes it possible to shape the object). It is first necessary to learn the basics in the context of a workshop for example, or with the help of a specialized manual.
Any realization in basketry is preceded by a project which must define the shape and dimensions of the object, as well as the techniques which will be used according to the desired result. The caliber of the strands will depend on the type of object to be made and its size; as a general rule, heavy gauges will be used for reinforcement and medium gauges are used for studs
By working with wicker or rattan, you can develop multiple creations such as baskets, baskets, displays and other decorative objects. The weaving of rustic basketry allows the realization of charming baskets and baskets that can be used during a Sunday in the countryside:as in the past, picnics and picking mushrooms are a concrete purpose of basketry - what a pleasure to do shopping with a basket you made yourself! We can also make nice gifts for loved ones.
If basketry is perhaps more "technical" than pottery, these two activities require a good dose of concentration, and above all, motivation:several hours of lessons will be necessary to learn how to handle the potter's wheel.
As with any manual hobby, once the "handling" is done, you can take more liberties with your achievements. But for a gentle start, coil pottery remains ideal. Inquire in a creative leisure store.
