Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Western Red Cedar-Tree To Pouch

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Draw inspiration and creativity from the Western Red Cedar Tree as you learn about local First Peoples traditional knowledge of cedar and other plant fibers which has been passed along over thousands of years in the Pacific Northwest. Students learn the techniques of folding, sewing, multiple braiding and cordage-making. … [Read more...]

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