September portrait: Nathalie Weber, between tradition and textile design

2. 2. A passion for craftsmanship born of instinct

At 61, Nathalie Weber didn’t necessarily set out to become a craftswoman. Retired after a career in a shop specialising in motorbike parts, she confides with simplicity:
” My passion has always been sewing and working with my hands. I’ve also done a lot of voluntary work for animal charities, with dogs and cats

It was almost by chance that the world of the springerle entered her life half a dozen years ago. ” A friend showed me how she made springerles using wooden moulds. I was immediately hooked. I bought one, two, three… and soon I owned around forty of them!

One thing led to another and this hobby became a real creative activity, which is now part of her everyday life.

2. 2. Springerles, from gourmet tradition to decorative art

For many people, the word ” springerle ” conjures up images of a little cake from yesteryear, delicately flavoured with aniseed. Nathalie recounts its history:
“Springerle was basically a small cake at the turn of the century. It was a mixture of flour, egg and aniseed, served as an aperitif. But over the years, this tradition has been somewhat lost

While the old moulds still exist, few people use them for anything other than pastries. That’s where Nathalie has found her originality: she uses them in plaster to create unique decorative objects. “You can find moulds, but you can’t find these motifs in any other form. They’re very pretty for decoration, very popular and always appreciated as gifts

These typically Alsatian creations can be found hanging on Christmas trees, arranged on ribbons or displayed in warm interiors.

2. 2. Kelsch, the textile symbol of Alsace

Alongside her springerles, Nathalie is developing another area of her expertise: sewing. In her makeshift workshop, she gives a second life to fabrics, with a predilection for kelsch, the traditional Alsatian textile recognisable by its red and blue checks.

“ Textile creations are all about fabric. I buy some kelsch, go down to my large work surface in my living room and make my cut-outs. They can be little hearts, bags, potholders, baskets or even towels. I also like to decorate the hearts with little Alsatian buttons

Each piece is meticulously crafted to reflect theregion’s identity. ” Springerle and kelsch go very well together. Together, they really reflect the Alsace that I love so much

2. 2. Creativity driven by instinct

With Nathalie, there’s no rigid plan or predefined collection: her creations come to life as she feels like it. “It’s all instinct. When I’m in my office, I feel like decorating. So I pre-cut strips, glue my springerles on them and paint them according to my inspiration”

This spontaneous work results in unique objects, imbued with her personality. Behind each heart, each motif, lies an intention, an emotion.

2. 2. Where can you discover his creations?

His pieces don’t go unnoticed. They can be found in a number of iconic locations:

• Casa natur’L in Bouxwiller, which offers a selection of her creations,
• Plaisir d’Alsace, a shop in Strasbourg’s historic centre,
• The Sentier des Houblons shop in Wingersheim , where you can buy springerles made from hops
• And, of course, at traditional markets such as Christmas markets.

But the designer remains accessible and friendly: “Otherwise, all you have to do is give me a call or drop me an email. I’m always happy to welcome people into my home

2. 2. A commitment to solidarity at the heart of its work

What really sets Nathalie apart is her generosity. Behind every sale is a solidarity initiative. “All the profits from my creations go to the association Les Galgos Angel, where I’ve been a volunteer for two years

This association helps Spanish shelters, where dogs, particularly galgos (greyhounds), often live in difficult conditions. “In Spain, there is no SPA. It’s private individuals who open shelters, and we help them financially. The president is based in Oswald, and the association has been in existence for ten years. Our sales go towards improving the welfare of the dogs

Through her work, Nathalie combines two passions: craft creation and animal protection.

2. 2. Projects and prospects

In the future, Nathalie’s main aim is to make her creations accessible to as many people as possible. “I’ d like my products to be available in tourist offices, so that visitors can access them easily

As for her creativity, she jokingly admits: “I’m stopping here, that’s not bad! But there’s no doubt that her inspiration will continue to accompany her through the seasons.

With her plaster springerles and kelsch hearts, Nathalie Weber perpetuates a dual mission: preserving the memory of Alsatian traditions and giving them a new contemporary lease of life. Her work, both simple and refined, embodies theauthenticity of the Kochersberg and the Pays de la Zorn.

By choosing her creations, visitors don’t just take home a souvenir of Alsace. They’re also helping to support animals in distress. It’s a double gift, full of meaning and generosity, making this September portrait much more than just a meeting of minds: it’s a lesson in heart and sharing.