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Make by hand.

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Julie Goforth

Karen Wychock

July 7, 2022 by Julie Goforth


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.

Filed Under: 2022, 2023, Basketry, Fiber Arts, Homesteading, Instructor Tagged With: basketry, fiber art, shaker baskets, weaving

Susan Withnell

July 7, 2022 by Julie Goforth


Hand Spinning Wool

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!

Filed Under: 2022, Instructor

Caroline Twigg

July 7, 2022 by Julie Goforth

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.

Filed Under: Instructor

Tim Rose

July 7, 2022 by Julie Goforth

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.


Filed Under: Instructor

Grace Rochford

July 7, 2022 by Julie Goforth

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!

Filed Under: 2022, 2023, Fiber Arts, Homesteading, Instructor, Mixed Media, Painting Tagged With: floorcloth, painted floorcloth

Gary Robinson

July 7, 2022 by Julie Goforth

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.

Filed Under: 2022, 2023, Fiber Arts, Homesteading, Instructor, Mixed Media, Weaving Tagged With: broom making, fiber art, heritage craft, natural fiber, traditional, weaving

Paul Pendola

July 7, 2022 by Julie Goforth


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.

Filed Under: 2022, Instructor Tagged With: Greenwood spoon carving, Paul Pendola, spoon carving, treenware, woodworker

Diane Myers

July 7, 2022 by Julie Goforth

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.

Filed Under: Instructor

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