Waterford Craft School

Make by hand.

Julie Goforth

Karen Wychock

by

Large Laundry Basket & Shaker Cheese Basket

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 patterns 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.

Susan Withnell

by

Fiber Arts Craft Camp (Ages 8-10 & Ages 11-13)

Susan is a hand spinner and weaver, operating her fiber arts business, ‘Ewes-Ful Fiber Arts’ for over 20 years. She raises high percentage Wensleydale sheep (known for their excellent spinning fleeces) on her Maryland Farm. She uses these fibers in the hand spun and hand dyed yarns she sells at fiber art and craft shows. Susan has been a juried, demonstrating artisan at the Waterford Fair for over 10 years, earning the distinction of ‘2020 Waterford Artisan of the Year’ for her commitment to the Waterford Foundation and her excellence as a Fair demonstrating artisan.

Susan is also a retired elementary school teacher, who created and led a fiber arts club for her students. She enthusiastically continues to share her knowledge with the public, teaching hand spinning on drop spindles and spinning wheels to adults, and summer Fiber Arts Craft Camps here in Waterford for young people ages 8 – 13. She also has demonstrated hand spinning at the Great Yorkshire Agricultural Show in Harrogate, England. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from this engaging artisan!

Caroline Twigg

by

Rug Hooking

Caroline first learned to hook at the local library; she was taught to pull loops but knew there was more to learn. Caroline started searching for teachers and soon was organizing classes to learn how to dye wool. Once she started hooking she never looked back. She has taught at Association of Traditional Hooking Artists Biennial, and Rug Hooking Retreats at Sauder Village.

Caroline and her husband Ron live in a hand hewed log home along with their beloved beagles Otis and Maple. Ron has lovingly converted their attic into a beautiful studio, Eagles Nest.

Tim Rose

by

Hard Cider: Home Brewing Basics

Distillery Lane Ciderworks is a family-owned and run orchard located in the shadow of the Appalachian Trail in rural Maryland. They have 3500 trees with over 45 different apple varieties, producing national and international award-winning hard ciders with their fruit.

Grace Rochford

by

Making A Floorcloth From Start to Finish

Grace Rochford originally made floorcloths just for herself, then was inspired to launch her company, Designs By Grace. She’s been making floorcloths for over 15 years, and has the added distinction of being one of our Waterford Landmark Artisans, who are the heart of the Waterford Fair and long-time supporters of the Waterford Foundation. She has taught numerous Waterford Craft School classes, inspiring many of her students to continue making floorcloths on their own. The process is contagious!

Gary Robinson

by

Broom Making (for all skill levels)

Born in the west central mountains of Virginia, where he still resides, Gary Robinson learned the art of broom making in 1991 and has been making brooms full time since then. Gary’s brooms appeared in the historical drama Sommersby starring Richard Gere and Jodie Foster and have been purchased by George Washington’s Mount Vernon for use in their portrayal of Colonial life. Over the years, demonstrating and teaching his craft has been one of the most fulfilling parts of his journey.

Gary has been a juried Demonstrating Artisan at the Waterford Fair since 1991. He is a Waterford Landmark Artisan, exemplifying excellence in craft and education, and for his commitment to the Waterford Foundation’s preservation mission. We recorded a conversation with Gary after his 2021 class, which is on our YouTube channel.

Paul Pendola

by

Spoon Carving, The Business of Art

Paul Pendola is the founder of the Galena Spoon Co. Artisan Studio & Gallery, and a Galena, Illinois-based green woodworking artist specializing in hand-carved wooden spoons and other hand-crafted woodenware. Using only an axe, straight knife, hook knife, and all-natural food-safe oil and wax, Paul’s mission is to create simple, authentic, and beautiful functional art. He enjoys sharing his love of carving with his students and leading professional development workshops to empower artisans.

Diane Myers

by

Rag Rug Weaving

Ms. Myers has been a fiber artist working primarily as a handweaver since her college days.  She has taught at in the public schools and is a veteran weaving instructor with the Waterford Craft School and at the Waterford Fair.