Nathalie d’Antin

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I’ve been passionate about basketry (vannerie) for over 30 years. I’m endlessly inspired—challenged, intrigued, even teased—by beautiful things I see everywhere: basketry from around the world, nature itself, materials to recycle or repurpose. Every object or material can become the starting point for a new project to invent. I love creating, and I also love sharing what I know—encouraging people to explore new paths, and even transforming what might be called a “mistake” (a wrong stitch, for example) into a real added value for the piece.

What is your story with L’Établisienne?

Laurence found me through a directory, and together we’ve been developing these courses for several years now—first regularly during the week, and later more occasionally on weekends. It’s also a real pleasure to work in such a beautiful workshop!

What do you do there?

I teach basketry, as well as cane weaving (cannage) and seat weaving (paillage)—three practices that can also complement each other beautifully.

What is:

Your favorite material?

What I love most is finding an object, a piece of wood, or a material in nature—or an abandoned piece of furniture—and giving it a new life, inventing something around its story and universe.

Your favourite tool?

Tools that cut perfectly: excellent pruning shears, very precise small pliers, a houzeau (an upholsterer’s pin) for fine adjustments, a good sharp knife, and an awl. With these, you can do wonders.

Your favorite gesture?

Observing. Everything, everywhere (I even struggle to read on the train…). I also do photo reporting and drawing. And then, making. (What a joy to create!)
And finally: being amazed by beautiful things.

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