Bogarel handmade wicker cat tree spheres

Expertise in the basket-making trade

Bogarel enlists the help of the Development and Promotion Committee of Basketry and Mr. Blanchard's workshop for weaving the spheres made of white willow used on their handmade cat beds and cat trees.

The profession of a basket weaver involves weaving plant materials to create various objects. It is an ancient and rare skill that has been passed down from generation to generation. In Europe, white willow is one of the main materials used. Jean-Marc Blanchard, as one of the 200 French basket weavers, was recognized for his expertise and named Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France) in 2018.

White willow is a flexible willow without its bark, appreciated for its consistency and strength, making it an ideal material for the Bogarel spheres.

The manual process used by the basket weavers is very different from industrial manufacturing, as no machine can replicate the finesse and nuances of manual willow weaving. Basket weavers use traditional tools such as pruning knives, awls, beaters, and secateurs.

There are numerous techniques for willow weaving, and each basket weaver develops their own methods.

Basketry is a valued profession in the Grand-Est region, where associations and events promoting artisanal crafts are established to preserve this ancient skill in an increasingly industrialized world. Partnerships with design schools are also being considered to encourage innovation in this field.