Berry baskets could be found in New Jersey in the late 19th century to transport strawberries from the fields of New Jersey to the restaurants of New York City. Berry baskets were traditionally hand woven of oak or hickory on the farms during the cold, winter months. They were designed to hold individual servings of berries. If you are lucky, you can still find original berry baskets at local antique shops. Why not join us and weave your own berry basket? The baskets will be woven of reed over a wooden mold. We will then use copper nails to attach the handle to the basket and then lash the rims with ash. Students will be weaving 2 berry baskets. 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.