The story of Basketica is a story about the enjoyment of hand-crafting functional objects and the creative freedom that I fully experience in retirement. The products that are created in my small workshop near Zagreb are most often baskets created with the help of a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine from jute, cotton or hemp twine, i.e. I use natural materials that are not harmful to the environment and are biodegradable.
I started using the technique of connecting twine and forming baskets in 2019, and so far I have progressed, not only in the technique but also in the patience of making items, given that each basket requires at least 2 hours of making, and it includes not only sewing but also ironing so that at the end each item has the best shape. So far, I have made more than 100 pieces of large and small baskets, with and without lids, coasters for plates and glasses, in white, green, yellow, blue, red and black colors.
Baskets are multifunctional and their application can be found from home to office. In homes, they are most often used as jars for plants, baskets for organizing small things like keys and chargers, in the bathroom for make-up, in the closet for storing your favorite scarves or socks, in the kitchen for dried fruit and nuts, and in the children’s room for diapers or toys. ..
I find inspiration for new collections and products in my surroundings, but also in the needs of my family and myself. Also, customers often come in with their ideas for what they need a basket for, and that’s what makes me happy and inspires me.
A few weeks ago I presented a new summer collection of baskets called Stripes, because the baskets have stripes created by combining red or black cotton twine with the natural color of jute. Baskets are available in several sizes, from small to large with a lid.
The products can be seen on the Instagram profile of Basketica handmade, and can also be ordered there, and soon they will be available on the web shop of Small entrepreneurs.
My plans for the future are to continue to express myself creatively, to organize and hold basket-making workshops in order to share with others the creative freedom that this technique enables.
Mirjana Bašak, Basketica handmade
INSTAGRAM: @basketica.handmade
