Hawk Mountain has again teamed with The Country Seat and renowned basket maker Linda Scherz to bring an Adirondack Pack Basket making Class. Adirondack Pack Baskets are part of the Hawk Mountain tradition and all of our Hawk Counters use them to transport gear to our lookouts daily. Pack baskets are not only traditional but are also very light weight, strong and functional. Techniques include plain weave, continuous weave, tapering a weaver, scarfing a weaver, packing, fitting, scarfing and lashing on a rim.
The Munchkin, Junior, and Hiker baskets typically take one day to make while the Sightseer and Mountaineer baskets take two days. Please choose the ticket for the basket most suitable to your needs. The leather harness is dark brown. Webbing harness color choices are red, olive green, black, and dark brown; please select at checkout.
Registration closes 2 weeks prior to the event due to the harnesses needing to be made ahead of time. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket and tools students will need during class. Students should wear comfortable clothing. Baskets will not be stained during class. Masks and social distancing will be enforced as recommended by the CDC.
Price varies per basket, see below.
All materials provided.
Limited to 20 total participants. Located in the Education Building, which is ADA accessible.
Click here for visuals of the different types of Pack Baskets offered.
Munchkin Adirondack Pack Basket
1 day
Dimensions: 5” x 6 ½” x 8”H
Munchkin is a small decorative version of a traditional Adirondack Pack Basket. Students start with pre-cut spokes, weave the base and then continuous weave the sides. Add a handle, fit the rim to the basket, and lash. Linda will teach you the techniques and tips to create the belly in the front with straight back and sides in this unique basket. Complete the Adirondack look as you place the custom leather or webbing harness on your completed basket.
Materials and Prep Fee:
With Webbing Harness = $155
With Leather Harness = $165
Junior Adirondack Pack Basket
1 day
Dimensions: 6” x 8” x 10 ½”H
Junior is a small decorative version of a traditional Adirondack Pack basket. This is a great size for a wastebasket or mail basket. Students start with pre-cut spokes, weave the base and then change reed and continuous weave the sides. Add a hand carved hardwood handle, fit the rim to the basket, and lash. Linda will teach you the techniques and tips to create the belly in the front with straight back and sides in this unique basket. Complete the Adirondack look as you place the custom leather or webbing harness on your completed basket.
Materials and Prep Fee:
With Webbing Harness $165
With Leather Harness $175
Hiker Adirondack Pack Basket
1 day class
Dimensions: 6” x 9” x 14”H
The Adirondack Pack Basket is one of the most recognized objects associated with the Adirondacks. This will be a day of weaving ending with a great pack ready for your day hike or canoe trip. Create your own pack basket patterned from the traditional Adirondack Pack Baskets. Adults and children can wear this pack. Students weave a plain weave base with the pre-cut spokes. Then learn to continuous weave the sides of the basket, pack tight, level the top, weave false rim, cut and tuck, insert the hand carved hardwood handle, fit the rim and lash on basket. Lastly, add an adjustable webbing or leather harness secured with skids. This class will be fun for all weavers. This is a great intro size pack to making pack baskets. Linda will demonstrate, teach you weaving techniques and guide you while you weave your basket.
Students will be using a drawknife and other sharp tools.
Materials and Prep Fee:
With Webbing Harness $190
With Leather Harness $210
Sightseer Adirondack Pack Basket
2 day class
Dimensions: 8 ½” x11” x 16”H
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. Create your own pack basket patterned from the traditional Adirondack Pack Baskets. The Sightseer pack is a great size for teens or adults. The first day students weave a plain weave base with the pre-cut spokes and then weave the sides. Linda will be guiding students as they concentrate on shape, creating a belly while learning to continuous weave. The main weaving will be done the first day. The baskets will sit and dry overnight. On the second day, students will pack baskets tight, level the top, weave a false rim, cut and tuck spokes, insert a hand carved hardwood handle, and fit the rim to the basket, and lash rim. Lastly, add an adjustable webbing or leather harness secured with skids. Linda will guide you and teach you many tips and techniques.
Students will be using a drawknife and other sharp tools.
Materials and Prep Fee:
With Webbing Harness $250
With Leather Harness $290
Mountaineer Adirondack Pack
2 day class
Dimensions: 9” x 12” x 20”H
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. Create your own pack basket patterned from the traditional Adirondack Pack Baskets. The Mountaineer pack is a large pack, great size for adults. The first day students weave a plain weave base with the pre-cut spokes and then weave the sides. Linda will be guiding students as they concentrate on shape, creating a belly while learning to continuous weave. The main weaving will be done the first day. The baskets will sit and dry overnight. On the second day, students will pack baskets tight, level the top, weave a false rim, cut and tuck spokes, insert a hand carved hardwood handle, and fit the rim to the basket, and lash rim. Lastly, add an adjustable webbing or leather harness secured with skids. Linda will guide you and teach you many tips and techniques.
Students will be using a drawknife and other sharp tools.
Materials and Prep Fee:
With Webbing Harness $265
With Leather Harness $295
Due to COVID if students wish to bring own tools to use in class, here is a list:
pencil, tape measure, scissors, diagonal cutters, spring type clothespins, awl or Tupperware orange peeler, heavy duty packing tool, sand paper, cable ties, knife or scarfing tool, hand towel, soak bucket.
Limited to 20 participants.
Held in the Education Building, which is ADA accessible.