Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

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Welcome to My Blog

As a contemporary sculptural artist I've been exploring the traditional art of weaving with plant fibers since 1985. I gather materials respectfully, recycling bark off of trees that are being cut down, pruning selectively to encourage the growth and health of plants, and replanting at every opportunity. I enjoy sharing the lessons I've learned from my generous teachers.

Being a hands-on, low-tech type person, I will do my best to make weekly (or at least monthly) posts. I like writing about the making process, worthwhile community projects, and sharing practical ideas of what the seasons have to offer those who are longing to live creatively within the rhythms of the natural world.

A Space to Work and Meet

I’m grateful for the West Woods Working Team, three generations who build so beautifully together. Built with love.

Blog Categories

Clam Shell Rattle Necklace

Clam Shell Rattle Necklace

May 22, 2012

Use materials from three important Northwest ecosystems while learning about Salish cultures.

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Woven Cedar Mat Necklace

The Cedar Experience

May 22, 2012

Projects that give students an opportunity to know the Western Red Cedar Tree as their ‘neighbor’.

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Woven Cedar Bark and Sweetgrass Baskets

Small Cedar Baskets

May 21, 2012

Learn why the Western Red Cedar is highly valued by PNW First Peoples.

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Vine Maple

Vine Maple

May 11, 2012

The Vine Maple, Acer circinatum, are opening their parasol-like leaves.

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Lady Fern and Trillium

Lady Fern and Trillium

May 10, 2012

Lady fern and trillium are back, lining the path out my studio door.

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Bear Grass

Bear Grass is Blooming

May 5, 2012

Blooming Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax) in early spring is a lovely sight.

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Skunk Cabbage

Smells Like Spring!

April 18, 2012

The familiar scent of skunk cabbage is a harbinger of spring.

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My grand-daughter Calla helps me gather cedar

Spring is Here!

April 16, 2012

Calla helps me gather cedar bark.

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Gifts of the Pacific Northwest Forests

Western Red Cedar

April 12, 2012

The forest is a special place, and each plant has it’s own story.

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salmonberries

Salmonberry

April 12, 2012

When the salmonberries are ripe the sap has risen in the cedar trees.

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Greetings in 2012

February 20, 2012

I’m taking baby-steps to learn how to use this web-site.  I hope you’ll be patient and check back now and again.  Early spring is upon us here in the Pacific Northwest.  The tiniest hazelnut blooms are appearing as their beautiful catkins dangle prominently below the blossoms.  I know it’s cool and moist here, and can […]

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Snowberries in Winter

January 1, 2012

Snowberry is a favorite winter plant.

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About Melinda

Thirty 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. The experience of weaving with the materials at hand while being together with my sons on a beautiful Pacific Northwest shoreline, kindled a passion for creating art from natural plant materials. 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

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