Waterford Craft School

Make by hand.

natural fiber

Cory Ryan

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Pine Needle Basketry

For Cory Ryan, art was always a hobby and her therapy from a stressful IT job. She started with folk art and had a goal to learn something new as the years went by. She learned to make baskets with longleaf pine needles from a friend’s mother, who had learned from her mother! She is pleased to carry on this heritage craft tradition. She teaches a variety of classes, ranging from quilling to pine needle basketry, and is serving her fourth term as President of the Art Guild of Greene in Greene County, VA. Now retired from the corporate world, Cory creates art to display and sell at a local craft shop in Ruckersville, VA.

WOVEN VIRGINIA SNOWFLAKE

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Get a head start on your Holiday decorating! Learn how to weave a 17.5” woven snowflake using natural reed to decorate a window, sheltered door or porch, or the top of your Christmas tree! Please bring a spray bottle, a bucket or large pan that will hold a gallon of water, 16 standard clothespins, an old towel, and either a tape measure, 18” ruler or yardstick to class.

If time allows, students may purchase additional materials from the instructor to make a second snowflake. (Ages 18 & up) Instructor: Pamela Foster (Minimum 4/Maximum 10)

Register Here

Gary Robinson

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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.

Splint Bird House

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Instructor: Pamela Foster

Ages: Adults

Format: In-Person

Number of Students: Min 5 / Max 8

Description:   Weave a natural fiber bird house for your feathered friends just in time for nesting season!  This workshop was a hit at the 2021 Waterford Fair, so we’re offering it again at our satellite host location, Sky Meadows State Park. Fee includes Park admission. Take a self-guided hike in the morning to enjoy the spring flora and valley views, then cap off your visit with this fun project. Don’t forget to bring a bag lunch so you can have a picnic, too.  Sky Meadows is located in Delaplane, Virginia.