She wrote Willow Basketry of the Amana Colonies in 1986, in honor of Philip Dickel, who taught her how to make baskets.
She won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Basketry Organization and one of her willow baskets is held at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
At the time, the older generation were wary of outsiders, so Schanz made an effort to involve herself in the local community, taking a job at a restaurant and participating in school activities.
[2] Schanz became interested in Amana folk art after being gifted a broom that was meant to be long-lasting.
[5] One of her willow baskets is held at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, but it is not on public display.