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

Basket By Polly Adams Sutton

Sculptural Weaving With Polly Adams Sutton

July 19, 2017

Polly Adams Sutton will be teaching a two day workshop at BARN, Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, August 5th and 6th.

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Folded Cedar Bark Baskets by Melinda West

Cedar Pouch Class at BARN – June 2017 Recap

July 14, 2017

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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Suquamish Culture Carriers

Ed Carriere Recreates Salish Basketry From Ancient Fragments

June 27, 2017

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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Artist Sue Skelly

Basketry Workshops At Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network

June 25, 2017

Sue Skelly will teach how to make a 4′ Cedar Garden Spire at BARN in July.

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Cedar Berry Pouches

One Spot Left for June 10-11 Cedar Pouch Workshop

June 5, 2017

Registration was closed, but one spot just opened up. Is it your time to learn?

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Woven cedar bark, NW estuary sweetgrass, cedar and willow limbs

Woven Cedar Mail Basket

May 28, 2017

This wall basket was made for holding the family mail.

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Ed Carriere and Great-grandson Cody

Ed Carriere – Culture Carrier – June 9, 6:30 – 8, 2017

May 11, 2017

Suquamish Master Weaver Ed Carriere will open up the brand new Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network with his presentation.

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winter branches to sort

Spring Branch Sorting

May 3, 2017

Early spring is time to make sure all the branches pruned in the winter months are sized and sorted for use.

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Cedar Bark and Bear Grass Basket

Weaving With NW Plant Fibers – Classes at BARN

April 12, 2017

Many wonderful basketry teachers will be coming to offer workshops at BARN.

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Dunlap Elementary Student at IslandWood

Artist in the Woods Residency at IslandWood

April 11, 2017

Some thoughts about my recent Artist in the Woods Residency project.

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Western Red Cedar, Folded and Sewn, Trimmed with Plaited Cedar Band

June 10 & 11, 2017, Cedar From Tree To Pouch

March 7, 2017

Back by popular demand, a Cedar From Tree to Pouch Workshop will be held at the new Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network, on June 10 & 11, 2017.

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Ed Carriere Culture Carrier, June 9, 2017

March 6, 2017

Ed Carriere Suquamish Master Weaver will give a program June 9, 2017 at 6:30pm at BARN.

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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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