Basketry

The Adirondack Pack Basket is one of the most recognized objects associated with the Adirondacks. These versatile baskets were used to carry just about everything the guides, hunters and trappers took with them into the woods. Linda will teach you her version patterned from the traditional Adirondack Pack Baskets. The Sightseer pack is a great size for teens or adult men and women. Linda will demonstrate, teach you many weaving techniques and guide you while you weave your pack basket. Students start with pre-cut spokes and do most of the weaving the first day. There will be great emphasis on shaping while weaving to create the belly on the front and the flat back. The second day students will be busy with the many finishing steps to complete the pack. Lastly, add an adjustable webbing or leather harness made by Linda and secured with skids made by students. Dimensions: 8" x 11" x 16" high. Students will be using a drawknife and other sharp tools. Leather harness is dark brown. Webbing harness color choices will be the colors available at time of class. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket. Students should wear comfortable clothing. Baskets will not be stained during class.

Dates/Times

• Tuesday, August 18, 2026 – 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Instructor: Linda Scherz

Member Tuition: $270.00
Non-Member Tuition: $310.00

Cotton Harness Material Fee: $125.00 Included in fee shown on checkout page
Leather Harness Material Fee: $170.00 Included in fee shown on checkout page

Location: AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY

Special Notes: Note: Materials fee for Webbing Harness – $125. Materials fee for Leather Harness – $170. Leather harness is dark brown. Webbing harness color choices may vary depending on what is available at the time of the class. Please call AFS if you would like the leather harness as it needs to be ordered a minimum of two weeks prior to the class. Students should wear comfortable clothing.

Using harvested birch from the instructors property, students will stitch the paper birch canister with wax linen and attach it to a wooden base. A matching lid with a leather tab top will be added. Students will have the choice of decorating the canister with birch symbols to make it their own. This class is ideal for all levels.

Dates/Times

• Saturday, August 15, 2026 – 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Instructor: Dona Nazarenko

Member Tuition: $115.00
Non-Member Tuition: $140.00

Material Fee: $67.00 Included in fee shown on checkout page

Location: 1476 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845, Alfred Z. Solomon Lake George Annex, located on Rt. 9 in the Log Jam Outlets immediately behind the Log Jam Restaurant

Special Notes: Students will need to bring a sharp pointed awl, a few clothes pins, scissors, and a small hammer.

This large storage basket is woven with natural reed and stands on tall feet. Dona will walk you through the process of weaving the basket and fitting on the rectangle hoop rim. If time allows, a smaller removable basket can also be crafted to fit inside to hold additional items. This nesting pair of baskets is great for sewing, craft needs, and a great catch all. Please note: This class is ideal for folks with prior basket weaving experience.

Dates/Times

• Sunday, June 7, 2026 – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Instructor: Dona Nazarenko

Member Tuition: $115.00
Non-Member Tuition: $140.00

Material Fee: $89.00 Included in fee shown on checkout page

Location: 1476 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845, Alfred Z. Solomon Lake George Annex, located on Rt. 9 in the Log Jam Outlets immediately behind the Log Jam Restaurant

This is a great basket to make for a gift or yourself. Woven with a combination of natural reed, seagrass, hardwood handle and leather rim making a great accent. A leather divider is woven in the basket to protect the bottles. Students have a choice of black or brown leather. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket. Students should wear comfortable clothing. Approx. dimensions: 5? x 10? x 17 ?? high with handle.

Dates/Times

• Friday, June 26, 2026 – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Instructor: Linda Scherz

Member Tuition: $135.00
Non-Member Tuition: $155.00

Material Fee: $65.00 Included in fee shown on checkout page

Location: AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY

Spend the morning crafting these lovely hanging hearts, sure to brighten your holiday decor or perfect for gift giving. The hearts are woven from hardwood maple splint and are hung from hand-dyed silk ribbons in various colors. Students will weave two large and two smaller hearts. Additional kits will be available for sale.

Dates/Times

• Sunday, December 6, 2026 – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Instructor: Barbara Boughton

Member Tuition: $70.00
Non-Member Tuition: $85.00

Material Fee: $25.00 Included in fee shown on checkout page

Location: AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY

Special Notes: Please note that the August offering of this class will take place at the Tannery Pond Center, located at 228 Main Street in North Creek, NY 12853.