Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Craft 2026 – Upcoming Workshop at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network

By

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...]

Weaving From the Garden – Potato

By

  The Potato Basket, refers to this ribbed-style basket in the largest size, but this style can be adapted to any size and renamed as you like.   In a medium size this makes a great bread serving basket.  Students will learn how to select and transform plant materials from Pacific Northwest landscapes and gardens into beautiful and … [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.
Read More
Melinda West and basket, Indianola WA