Waterford Craft School

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.