Working over a wooden mold in the manner of the Shakers, students will be weaving a gathering basket just in time for their summer blooms and veggies. The gathering basket will be made of a combination of reed and oak. The body of the basket will be woven of reed with oak handles and runners. The rims will be made of pre-bent reed. Students will learn to prepare their material, lay out their base, weave the sides of the basket, attach the rims and handles, lash the basket and attach the oak runners with copper brads. All tools and materials will be supplied by the instructor. *Students may want to bring a towel since we work with wet material. *Class price includes materials fee. Karen Wychock 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.