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.
Weaving From the Wild at IslandWood – Feb 3, 2019
Spend a day learning techniques for using plant fibers to create beautiful and useful objects.
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Adirondack-Style Pack Basket with Karen Sherwood
Karen Sherwood of Earthwalk Northwest taught a fun Pack Basket at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network.
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Karen Sherwood at BARN-Birch Bark Knife Sheath
Karen Sherwood teaches at BARN, Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network.
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Ed Carriere’s Fish Net Anchor Artifact Workshop at BARN
Ed Carriere and I enjoyed teaching together at BARN this May 5, 2018.
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Kathey Ervin’s Cedar Workshop at BARN
Highlights from Kathey Ervin’s “Weaving With NW Gold – Pick Your Own Project” Workshop at BARN.
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2018 Basketry Workshops at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network
Twenty Basketry Workshops in 2018 at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network.
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Olympic College & BIMA Winter & Spring 2018
Please come and enjoy this exhibition of 27 NW artists reflecting upon the theme of “Home”.
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Feb 4, 2018 Workshop at IslandWood
Join Melinda for a day at IslandWood and weave a basket with plant materials from the NW landscape.
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August 26-27 – Weaving Nature-Plant Fiber Projects Blending Culture, Science & Art
I hope you can join me at the BARN this August 26-27 for a weekend of making lots of projects from plant fibers that the young people in your life will love.
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Sculptural Weaving With Polly Adams Sutton
Polly Adams Sutton will be teaching a two day workshop at BARN, Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, August 5th and 6th.
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Cedar Pouch Class at BARN – June 2017 Recap
This June an amazing group of students came together to make Cedar Bark Berry Picking Pouches at the new Fiber Art Studio at BARN.
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Ed Carriere Recreates Salish Basketry From Ancient Fragments
Suquamish Elder Ed Carriere shares his story of recreating ancient Salish Sea Basketry from basket fragments found in Pacific Northwest wetsites.
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