IMAGINATION AND CREATIVITY BRING ART TO LIFE

Handicrafts are not just a trade, but an art infused with emotion and personal dedication — as shown by Snježana Šaponja from Srbac, whose love for tradition has blossomed into unique, enchanting creations worn not only on the body but cherished in the heart.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

Since early childhood in her hometown of Zavidovići, she learned to crochet, growing up in a family where such skills were part of everyday life. Over the years, she perfected her craft, especially through her involvement in the Women’s Association of Srbac, of which she is a long-time member and one of the founders.

Today, her handmade creations — including children’s clothing, amigurumi dolls, bags, and keychains — are sought after across continents. Her personal brand, “Sneškica Handmade,” has become well-known among locals.

“I learned my first crochet stitches from my mother when I was just seven, and by the age of ten, I was creating pieces on my own. I mainly work with cotton — it’s easy to maintain and comfortable to use. My family was full of skilled hands — from my grandmother to aunts — but there was no modern technology back then. With the internet, I adopted new techniques, which wasn’t difficult because I’m persistent and always eager to learn,” says Snježana, who moved to Srbac three decades ago and started a family with her husband Zdravko.

For her, crocheting is a blend of tradition and modernity. She emphasizes that she has never created two identical pieces.

“I have four daughters, so there isn’t a fashion trend I haven’t seen firsthand. I try to combine modern elements with our traditional patterns. Even though I own various sewing machines, I’ve always preferred handcrafting. I have a dedicated room in the house just for this — my spiritual oasis. Experts say crocheting is like yoga — it relaxes the body and calms the mind,” she revealed to Glas Srpske.

Her first creation was a simple scarf, followed by shirts, handbags, and decorative tablecloths. She especially enjoys crafting for children, and her first dolls were made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was in Italy during the peak of the crisis, spending 72 days in isolation with an elderly woman. That’s when I made my first doll, inspired by my granddaughter Anastasija. I still keep it just for her and would never sell it. In this work, material things come second. I’ve given away more than I’ve sold — the feeling of giving is just as joyful as receiving,” Snježana says.

Holidays stir deep emotions in her, and she particularly looks forward to Easter and Christmas. She has also spent years making festive decorations.

In addition to her crafts, Snježana is known for her homemade fruit liqueurs, juices, and preserves. Her home often welcomes friends from around the world who eagerly await the chance to taste her delicacies and admire her handmade pieces.

“It brings me joy to know that a girl from Denmark always buys one of my bags when she returns home each year. I receive orders from Switzerland, Australia, and many other countries. It’s proof that our work at the Women’s Association of Srbac has meaning. That support gives us strength and motivation to keep going,” Snježana proudly states.

The Women’s Association of Srbac regularly hosts workshops on crocheting, traditional costumes, and other heritage crafts. However, interest among younger generations is declining.

“If this trend continues, these beautiful skills could disappear in the next ten to twenty years. I’d love for at least one of my daughters to follow in my footsteps, but so far, only my granddaughter Anastasija has shown interest. Still, they all support me and help with ideas and advice,” Snježana concludes.