Who is Lieve Lieckens?

For more than 25 years now I've made willow baskets, created structures for giants, and created willow design the artisan way. That is also how I made a profession out of my hobby. Quality has always been the main cornerstone for me and is ensured through sustainable craftsmanship. 

It hasn't, however, always been my plan to become a professional basket weaver. With a background in economics and higher education in physiotherapy I was employed as a physiotherapist at first. In the search for my professional future I have been a successful member of the military police and petty officer in the Belgian army. Here I've been able to graduate from a masters in physical education and have had the pleasure to teach the candidate officers at the Royal Military School (KMS) for five years in Brussels, Belgium. 

Besides the army, judo has always been my biggest passion. Throughout a period of 10 years I've been a member of the national team and have always been the training partner of Ingrid Berghmans. Like this I've brought home 17 Belgian National titels, became 7 time world champion in the military, and won a bronze medal on the European Championships in 1984. 

In 1991, with the birth of my first child, I chose for the education of my kids and ended my professional career in the army. With this little extra time it didn't take long before I had discovered basketry and everything that had to do with wickerwork. One course lead to another, and a few workshops, tryouts, and a few trainings later a new hobby was born. This hobby developed itself further into a passion for weaving baskets, and along with it more spesialised courses all over Europe. One of them was the education for experts at the “Centre de Formation Professionnelle et de Promotion Agricoles (CFPPA)" in Fayl-Billot in France which is the Formation center for professionals and agricultural promotion.    

Through this passion I've been active in the world of basketry and wickerwork for more than 25 years already. As a person I go through every day life in a very environmentally conscious way and this interest also shows itself in my work. This not only by keeping up traditional values but also by ensuring sustainable craftsmanship. That is why quality has always had the highest priority. The quality of the 100% natural materials, certified craftsmanship, and a artisan approach made sure that I became a certified craftswoman in Belgium and have received the label of Handmade in Belgium. 

In case you would have questions or are interested in my work, please don't hesitate to contact me and I would be more than happy to make some time for a chat!