Basket Weaving: Shaker Flat Bottom Basket Workshop (May 9, 2026)

The Basket Weaving Shaker Flat Bottom Basket Workshop at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum introduces intermediate students to a distinctive basket design inspired by traditional Shaker craftsmanship.

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

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

Tuition:
$90.00 – $100.00

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

The Basket Weaving Shaker Flat Bottom Basket Workshop is an intermediate-level class that explores the refined simplicity and functional elegance of traditional Shaker basket design. Known for their ingenuity and craftsmanship, Shaker artisans developed basket forms that were both highly practical and visually distinctive. This workshop focuses on one such form—a flat-bottom basket featuring an unusual base structure and “floating corners.”

Participants in this class will construct a basket that reflects the Shaker tradition of thoughtful design and precise workmanship. The defining feature of this basket is its unique bottom construction, which differs from more common woven bases and requires careful attention to alignment, spacing, and tension. The addition of floating corners creates a visually striking form while also strengthening the structure of the basket.

Because of the technical skills required, the Basket Weaving Shaker Flat Bottom Basket Workshop is designated as an intermediate-level class. Students must have completed at least three prior basket weaving classes with the instructor or have equivalent experience. This prerequisite ensures that participants are comfortable with foundational techniques such as measuring, shaping, weaving consistent rows, and maintaining structural integrity throughout a project.

During the workshop, students will work step by step through the basket construction process, including forming the base, building the side walls, and shaping the distinctive corners. Instruction emphasizes precision, craftsmanship, and understanding how structural choices influence both the appearance and durability of the finished basket. Participants will leave with a completed Shaker-style basket that reflects both traditional design principles and their own developing skills.

The 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 annually and has been honored as a Featured Artist at several nationally recognized events. She designs, dyes, and weaves her original baskets using centuries-old techniques—without nails, glue, staples, or molds—relying entirely on traditional craftsmanship.

Joan is widely known for her award-winning custom designs and innovative work, including baskets that incorporate vintage tools, kitchen items, antlers, or meaningful heirloom elements. In addition to teaching at museums and private workshops, she has served for several years as the basket weaving judge at the Maryland State Fair, demonstrating her expertise and respected standing in the field.

The class runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and participants should plan for a full day of focused, hands-on work. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring a lunch, drinks, and snacks.

Please note that the Herb & Garden Faire will also be taking place on the museum grounds from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the same day. Admission to the Faire is separate from the workshop (free for Landis Valley Associates members), so participants may wish to allow extra time for parking and arrival.

🧰 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

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

⚠️ Important Notes

• Intermediate-level class (minimum 3 prior classes required)
• Held in the Museum Store’s second-floor classroom (one flight of stairs)
• Herb & Garden Faire taking place on-site (separate admission)
• All sales are final. No refunds
• Proceeds benefit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum