Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Western Red Cedar-Tree To Pouch

By

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

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