Stacy Kelly

Karen Wychock, Instructor

Sunday, May 18, 2025

9 AM -3 PM

The beauty of this door basket lies in its unique shape and size. It measures 8” x 3” x 21” tall! It is meant to make a statement whether inside or outside of your home.
It’s the perfect way to invite people into your home hanging on your front door or the perfect way to showcase an area inside. You can fill it with greens for the holidays or fresh flowers in the Spring!

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. She is also president of the Penn-Jersey Basket Weavers Guild and teaches both children and adults.

Karen Wychock, Instructor

Saturday, May 17, 2025

9 AM -5 PM

Some weaving experience is needed to take this class.

This Hexagonal Bottom Basket will make a beautiful addition to your home as either a bread basket or as a decorative element. It will be woven in the Shaker Style over a wooden tub mold. Using fine cane for both the spokes and weavers, students will learn to weave using plain weave and hexagonal weave. The challenge of this basket is to weave hexagons equal in size.
Once woven, students will pack the basket, turn down the spokes and then add the rims. Lashing will tie the rims to the basket. It is 9” wide and 3” in height.

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. She is also president of the Penn-Jersey Basket Weavers Guild and teaches both children and adults.

Amanda Thorstad, Instructor

Sunday, May 18, 2025

9 AM -3 PM

Humans have been brewing beer for eons. Using an infinite variety of ingredients and processes, we’ve been making fermented beverages since we originated as a species. While modern practices can be quite technical and require a great deal of equipment, the fundamentals of brewing are surprisingly simple. Beer was made at home for most of its history, and the skills and knowledge are accessible for anybody who finds themselves curious about it. You can do this with just a few pieces of equipment – much of which you likely have already – and some basic processes that are no more complicated than making a pot of soup. During this workshop, students will learn two approaches to creating alcoholic ferments: 1. Fermented Soda: create unique beverages using ingredients that are easy to grow, forage, and/or purchase, such as ginger, lemon, beets, apples, and various herbs & roots. 2. Beer: brew beer using malted grains, hops, and yeast. Students will have the opportunity to sample a variety of beers throughout the day.

Amanda Thorstad
I am a Brewer and Musician rooted in the old ways of practicing these traditions.
I initially learned to brew from my dad, who gifted me a 1-Gallon beer kit when I first moved out on my own. I still use this basic kit to experiment with beers and other alcoholic ferments!
I have since found great joy in learning about the long history of brewing, with particular interest in using grown and foraged ingredients to brew beer in our own kitchens.
I am inspired by the infinite creativity of the brewing craft, and the magic transformation of flavors that occurs during the fermentation process.
I believe we all have the capability to create what we use and consume, and I love to share my skills with others.