Basket Weaving: Fancy Basket Handles Workshop

Sunday, May 31, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (EDT)

Location:
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road
Lancaster, PA 17601

Tuition:
$70.00 – $80.00

Click Here to Register

Classroom:
Museum Store – Second Floor (one flight of stairs)

🧺 Learn Decorative Basket Handle Techniques

The Basket Weaving Fancy Basket Handles Workshop at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is a specialty basketry class focused entirely on creating decorative and functional basket handles that add character, strength, and individuality to handcrafted baskets.

Handles are one of the defining visual and structural features of a basket. In this workshop, students will explore a variety of fancy basket handle techniques, learning how handle design can transform a simple basket into a distinctive and artistic finished piece.

Participants will work hands-on with traditional basket materials while learning:

• Decorative handle shaping
• Structural reinforcement techniques
• Handle wrapping and finishing methods
• Different handle styles suitable for various basket forms
• Ways to customize baskets through handle design

The workshop is ideal for basket weavers looking to expand their skill set and add new techniques to future basket projects. Whether creating practical gathering baskets, decorative folk art baskets, or custom designs, understanding advanced handle construction opens new creative possibilities.

Students will receive demonstrations and individualized instruction throughout the day, allowing them to practice several styles and techniques. The emphasis is on craftsmanship, balance, durability, and visual appeal.

The Basket Weaving Fancy Basket Handles Workshop is taught by Joan Betzold, an accomplished basket weaver and instructor with more than 30 years of experience. Joan attends more than 40 art, folk art, colonial, fiber, and gardening shows annually and has been honored as a Featured Artist at several nationally recognized events.

Joan designs, dyes, and weaves her baskets using centuries-old techniques without nails, glue, staples, or molds. She is especially known for her award-winning custom designs and unusual baskets incorporating vintage tools, kitchen items, antlers, and meaningful heirloom objects.

In addition to teaching at museums and private workshops throughout the region, Joan has served for several years as the basket-weaving judge at the Maryland State Fair, reflecting her respected reputation within the basketry community.

This full-day workshop runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and offers participants the opportunity to deepen their basket-weaving knowledge while creating handle samples and techniques that can be incorporated into future projects.

Student Supply List

Students should bring:

• Measuring tape
• Sharpened pencil
• Brick wrapped in plastic wrap
• 12 large wooden clip-style clothespins
• Old towel
• Scissors
• Pocket knife
• Small regular screwdriver
• Spray bottle
• Pail or dish pan (to hold approximately 2 gallons of water)
• Lunch, drinks, and snacks

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on weaving work.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideal for:

• Basket weavers seeking advanced techniques
• Folk art and traditional craft enthusiasts
• Students interested in basket customization
• Returning basket-weaving students

Important Notes

• Hands-on weaving workshop
• Held in the Museum Store’s second-floor classroom
• One flight of stairs is required
• All sales are final. No refunds
• Proceeds benefit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum