Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Weaving With NW Plant Fibers – Classes at BARN

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I am happy to let you know that the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, or BARN has some wonderful teachers offering to share their skills. June 17, Saturday, Nancy Sigo will teach a "NW Coast Cedar Basket" workshop. July 8 + 9, Sue Skelly will teach how to make a "4 Foot Cedar Garden Spire with Finial" in a two day workshop. August 5 + … [Read more...]

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

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Pacific Northwest landscapes are home to a wealth of native and introduced plants known to have rich histories of fiber use by the First Peoples of the region.  “Long Life Maker”, is just one of many names the Western Red Cedar tree has been called by the Salish Peoples.  Students will learn why, as they are introduced to a multitude of uses … [Read more...]

Ed Carriere Culture Carrier, June 9, 2017

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I've always been aware that I live in a special community. There are so many folks in Indianola who amaze me by their kindness, brilliance, generosity, artistic skills, and by the hard-working and interesting lives they lead. One such individual is life-time Indianola resident, Ed Carriere. Ed Carriere is a quiet gentleman with many … [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