My Craft Gives Me the Freedom to Express Myself in My Own Language

The Kajak team will dedicate beautiful pages to new stories through which we will introduce you to local heroes who have devoted their lives to craftsmanship. This sector is a high priority for us, especially considering the impact craftsmanship has on the development of tourism in Macedonia.

Our goal for December is to involve all local artisans in our pre-New Year programs organized for private companies. Through these events, participants will learn how to create unique items or jewelry, which they will then donate to people in Macedonia who deserve smiles.

Organizing pre-New Year events in this way will have great significance for artisans, tourism, and all local heroes who deserve our attention. This includes medical workers fighting the pandemic, pensioners, orphaned children, hardworking individuals, and many other groups for whom even the smallest gesture will bring happiness.

If your company is interested in receiving an offer for a pre-New Year trip, click HERE.

Today we introduce you to Slavko Bache, whose story you can experience firsthand in his workshop in Ohrid. Slavko is known for his “Bache Hand Made” workshop, where he creates wooden decorations and toys for children.

He says that from a young age he was fascinated by how the old tools used by his ancestors worked. Throughout his childhood, he learned how to craft wooden products, but it was only in the last five years that he began working more seriously and with more sophisticated tools.

Freedom to create and express oneself is the most attractive thing for a person. It is like the growth of a tree in harmony with its surroundings, and this freedom has inspired him to deeply commit to his craft.

He learned the basics of the craft from his father, Sašo, and now he constantly improves through various experiments and practical work. Among the many successful experiments he has created, he is especially fond of his first sculpture, "Archaic Freshness," made from the root of an old acacia tree.

Nowadays, he focuses more on making toys for children, starting with wooden cars, trucks, puzzles, and even some night lamps made from watering cans.

To craft a unique item or toy, the process is not exactly simple, says Slavko. It starts with planning, drawing, and determining the scale. At the beginning, one must be very careful and anticipate all movements and next steps.

After establishing the work procedure, preparation of the piece of wood suitable for the given project begins, followed by cutting the parts and assembling the product. All of this finishes with fine sanding and protecting the wood.

Slavko’s workshop is located in the old part of Ohrid, on the road to the Church of St. John the Theologian – Kaneo. This location provides him with regular contact with tourists, who, according to Slavko, motivate him to keep investing in his work.

The tour guide's experience over the years provides the energy needed to share knowledge with visitors to the workshop.

Slavko finished high school in Ohrid, and got a job in Sofia at the university. His love for his homeland prompted him to return and invest in tourism at home. Today, his greatest support is his family, especially his children. Every new toy he produces is a new joy for them.

If you want to get in touch with Slavcho, visit our database "Where Here" or click HERE.