Basket Weaving: Foraging Backpack Workshop

📅 Class Details 

Saturday, February 7, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (EST)

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

Tuition:
$135.00 – $150.00

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

The Basket Weaving Foraging Backpack Workshop is a full-day immersive class that teaches traditional basket-weaving techniques while producing a highly functional backpack-style foraging basket. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners, foragers, and craft lovers, this basket combines historic craftsmanship with modern practicality. Participants leave with a sturdy, adjustable basket that can be comfortably worn on the back, leaving hands free for gathering, walking, or working outdoors.

Instructor Joan Betzold originally designed this foraging backpack basket in response to a request from an avid forager—and it has since become one of her most popular and versatile designs. The finished basket includes adjustable strapping, durable clips, and a handmade oak handle, all thoughtfully incorporated into the design to ensure comfort, balance, and long-term use. Students may choose from black, royal blue, dark brown, or dark green strapping, with black clips included. Because materials must be prepared in advance, strap color selections must be submitted at least 10 days before the class, preferably at the time of registration. Students should email their color choice to betzoldrockstroh@aol.com.

Throughout the workshop, students will learn how to shape, measure, and weave the basket using centuries-old basketry techniques. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship, structural integrity, and traditional methods—no nails, glue, staples, or molds are used. Joan guides participants step by step through forming the base, building the basket walls, attaching hardware, and ensuring proper fit and balance for backpack use. This makes the workshop appropriate for both motivated beginners and experienced weavers looking to expand their skills.

The Basket Weaving Foraging Backpack Workshop is taught by Joan Betzold, a nationally recognized basket weaver and instructor with more than 30 years of experience. Joan attends over 40 art, folk art, colonial, fiber, and gardening shows each year and has been honored as a Featured Artist at several nationally recognized events. She designs, dyes, and weaves her original baskets using historic techniques and is well known for award-winning custom designs, including baskets incorporating vintage tools, kitchen items, antlers, or meaningful heirloom objects.

Joan also brings extensive teaching experience, having taught basket weaving at many museums and private workshops throughout the region. For several years, she has served as the basket-weaving judge at the Maryland State Fair, a role that reflects her expertise and standing within the traditional craft community. Students benefit from her patient instruction, deep technical knowledge, and commitment to preserving traditional basketry.

The class runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and participants should expect a full day of hands-on work. Comfortable clothing is recommended.

🧺 What to Bring

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

⚠️ Important Notes

• Class is held in the Museum Store’s second-floor classroom (one flight of stairs)

• Strap color choice must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the class

• All sales are final. No refunds

• Proceeds benefit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum