Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

Growing, gathering, and weaving with plant fibers from the Pacific Northwest

Craft 2026 – Upcoming Workshop at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network

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I am thrilled to be leading a five day workshop: WEAVING NATURE - SEASONAL GIFTS OF PLANTS FOR BASKETMAKING. It will be held in the Seattle area at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network (BARN) next April 27 through May 1, 2026. I’m gratefully enjoying the gathering of oodles of materials for students now. For more information about Craft 2026: Craft … [Read more...]

Paper made from Equisetum Hymale

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Equisetum hymale or scouring rush loves to grow in wet riparian areas in valleys near streams or in ditches. This is the first time I’ve ever use soda ash, or washing soda, during the cooking process. I’ve made Equisetum paper before without it, but I was encouraged to try the small amount of washing soda after engaging in May Babcock's … [Read more...]

Porch Papermaking with Polypore Fungi

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I’ve heard that paper can be made from mushrooms. I’ve seen leather-like hats made from mushrooms and there is fabric made from the root structures of fungi known as mycelium fabric. https://www.kleiderly.com/our-blog/sustainable-fabric-series-all-about-mycelium-fabric With some guidance from May Babcock, who gives a wonderful online tutorial for … [Read more...]

Local History – Interview With Barbara Ann Lawrence – Suquamish Tribal Cultural Teacher and Storyteller

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Barbara Ann Lawrence is a Suquamish culture carrier. I am blessed when our paths cross in the many ways they do through our work, families and friendship. I consider her one of my precious teachers. I’m sharing an interview with Barbara here because she is a participant in many of the positive things going on in the Suquamish community today. Her … [Read more...]

Porch Papermaking With Food Plants – Cardoon and Kale

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The days are getting longer. Exquisite scents of growing plants fill the air. The pollen makes me cry, but it’s all worth it! Today I’d like to introduce you to an easy to grow garden plant for making strong, flexible paper. Cardoon is a perennial culinary plant in the artichoke family, with stalks harvestable early spring through mid summer. When … [Read more...]

About Melinda

Forty years ago, while sitting on the beach playing with my young children, I made my first basket out of a pile of willow trimmings someone had tossed there. It looked wildly made like a crazy bird’s nest. While being together with my two sons on a beautiful Pacific Northwest shoreline, this simple experience of crafting with the natural materials at hand kindled a passion for creating forms using plant fibers. I thank my family, my community, and all my teachers for cultivating this gift in me.
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Melinda West and basket, Indianola WA