Class Description: In this class, students will make an asymmetrical form basket of out willow. Using traditional willow weaving techniques, we will create this contemporary design inspired by Polish basket maker, Stanislaw Dzuibak. A round base is woven in reverse pair, the stakes are inserted and the sides woven up in three rod wale and French randing. The asymmetrical element and the border of the basket is then woven from the stakes themselves! A sturdy branch handle is incorporated to finish the basket.

Class Date and Time: This two-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday, May 19th, 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm with a one-hour lunch provided each day. Total teachable hours are 12 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $40 and covers willow, branch handle, and tool use: bodkin, rapping iron, hand pruners, side nippers, saw, fid, basket weights.

Items students should bring: Lightweight gloves.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio:  Jes Clark (they/them) is the farmer and weaver at Willow Vale Farm in Stanfordville, NY. Jes weaves traditional and contemporary functional pieces and the basket forms created are a result of their conversation with each stick of willow. All of their willow is grown without pesticides using regenerative practices and with loving care.

Class Description: Pine needle basketry is a craft tradition developed by American Indians in the Southeastern and Western U.S. states. Learn how to coil and stitch long leaf pine needles to create a useful basket. Students will select from a variety of centers; wrapping and stitching techniques will be taught, and historical techniques will be discussed. No previous basket weaving experience is necessary!

Class Date and Time: This one-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 7 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $30, covers pine needles, needles, sinew, and a basket center.

Items Students should bring: Scissors.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio: After graduating from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, I was employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Clark Summit, Pa from 1973-1978.

I married my husband, Jack Ryan, in 1973. We had two sons and now have two grandsons who live near us now in the Charlottesville/Waynesboro area.

In 1978 I moved to Richmond, Va to work for Dominion Energy (then VEPCO). I worked at Dominion until 2009 when I retired after 32 years in the IT department, working as an application developer.

After retiring in 2009, we wanted to move to be closer to family in Charlottesville. We moved the Ruckersville in 2015.

Art was always a hobby and my therapy from the stressful IT job. I started with folk art and had a goal to learn something new as the years went by. I learned to make baskets from long leaf pine needles from my friend’s mother. She learned from her mother. The art is very old. Back in the day, raffia was used to wrap the pine needles coils but it didn’t hold up so today we used waxed thread or sinew.

Currently I am retired, enjoying making art just about every day to display and sell at a local craft shop in Ruckersville.

I also teach a variety of classes, ranging from Mandala Dot Art, Quilling, painting a gourd bowl, and pine needle basketry. These classes are held for the Art Guild of Greene County, Albemarle county’s adult learning program and at Qute Scraps Handmade Boutique. I am now serving my fourth term as President of the Art Guild of Greene.

Class Description: This storage basket would make a beautiful addition to your home. It measures 10 1/2” x 20” x 9 1/2”. It can sit proudly down the middle of your dining room table, be featured on your sideboard, used to showcase bread and rolls at your next buffet or used to show off your favorite potted plants. The basket features bushel basket handles and oak runners to support whatever they hold. You can choose to weave it natural or add color to create a pattern – the choice is yours! Whether you are a novice or an advanced weaver, this basket will make the perfect addition to your home.

Class Date and Time: This one-day workshop is hosted on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 7 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $60, covers all materials for the class. 

Items Students should bring: Towel or apron.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio: Working over wooden molds, in the method of the Shakers, Karen’s baskets are traditional in shape and materials.  She weaves both Shaker reproductions in ash and traditional, utilitarian baskets of reed.  Native hardwoods such as ash and oak are used to make the rims and handles, and all of her baskets are lashed using ash.  Each basket takes on its own character as it is woven in a quatrefoil, twill or fancy lace pattern to appeal to both eye and touch. Karen was an art teacher for 22 years in the Neshaminy School District, Langhorne, PA, before becoming a middle school principal for 15 years in both the Neshaminy School District and the Central Bucks School District.

She is a member of the Bucks County Craftsmen’s Guild, the Bucks County Hand Weaver’s Guild and the PA Guild of Craftsmen.  She sells her work at various shows and galleries throughout the northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, and Ohio), and has the earned the distinction of Waterford Landmark Artisan for her commitment to the Waterford Fair and the Waterford Foundation. She is also president of the Penn-Jersey Basket Weavers Guild and teaches both children and adults.

Class Description: Is the junk mail piling up on your kitchen counter or your entryway table? This mail basket could be the secret to turning your pile of mail into a legitimate design statement. It can sit on your kitchen counter, fit right over a door knob or even be wall mounted! It also looks great filled with flowers on your front door! The basket measures 10'' long x 3'' wide x 10” high (can be taller). It is a reed basket with an oak handle. Dyed reed (red, green, blue and black) will be available to create pattern and design within the basket.

Class Date and Time: This one-day workshop is hosted on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Total teachable hours are 5 hours.

Materials Fee (included in total class fee): $30, covers all materials for the class.

Items Students should bring: Towel or apron.

Lunch: Lunch is included in the class fee. If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them when you register.

Instructor Bio: Working over wooden molds, in the method of the Shakers, Karen’s baskets are traditional in shape and materials.  She weaves both Shaker reproductions in ash and traditional, utilitarian baskets of reed.  Native hardwoods such as ash and oak are used to make the rims and handles, and all of her baskets are lashed using ash.  Each basket takes on its own character as it is woven in a quatrefoil, twill or fancy lace pattern to appeal to both eye and touch. Karen was an art teacher for 22 years in the Neshaminy School District, Langhorne, PA, before becoming a middle school principal for 15 years in both the Neshaminy School District and the Central Bucks School District.

She is a member of the Bucks County Craftsmen’s Guild, the Bucks County Hand Weaver’s Guild and the PA Guild of Craftsmen.  She sells her work at various shows and galleries throughout the northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, and Ohio), and has the earned the distinction of Waterford Landmark Artisan for her commitment to the Waterford Fair and the Waterford Foundation. She is also president of the Penn-Jersey Basket Weavers Guild and teaches both children and adults.