Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Old Kitchen – New Counters

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We've lived in this nearly a century-old house for thirty-three years and finally have had a chance to upgrade our kitchen.  We didn't want to change the character of it, but wanted to improve its function.  Built in 1918, with very little counter space available, it sported the original 4" deep cast iron sink , perfect for splashing water all over … [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