Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Greetings – It’s 2026!

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Hello. I hope each of you are finding healthy ways to embrace life each day. I am coping by working with my hands, digging in the soil, planting seeds, weaving baskets, and preparing materials for the very special students who have already filled my April 2026 workshop at BARN, Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network. I know there is a large waitlist, … [Read more...]

Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026 – Weaving Nature

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Join us for an extraordinary celebration of American craft as BARN participates in Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026. This unprecedented week brings accomplished artists from our region and beyond for intensive workshops that will transform your creative practice. Handwork Week offers a unique opportunity to learn from nationally recognized … [Read more...]

Weaving Nature – Seasonal Gifts of Plants for Basketmaking

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It’s been a busy fall gathering many of the plants we’ll be using in this workshop. I’m grateful to Jennifer Hemmingsen at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network for putting together this article. Please be sure to click on “Handwork: Weaving traditions, stewardship and place with Melinda West” to view this article and links to registration and the … [Read more...]

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...]

Mathewson and West’s October Workshop At Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network

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Are you like me, one who sees the beauty in Nature’s ephemera? Are you a person who enjoys collecting found treasures thinking: “Someday, I’m going to make a nice gift for someone out of this Pussy Willow”? Or, “Wouldn’t this seed-pod look interesting if I incorporate it into an art piece?” Or, “What in the world am I going to do with all these … [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