Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Basketry Workshops At Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network

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June has flown by, and with it, many wonderful experiences. One being that the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, or BARN, has opened the doors to a beautiful new building on Bainbridge Island, a place of community and learning for makers of many disciplines.  Programs for all eleven studios are up and running, with a huge outpouring of response … [Read more...]

Weaving With NW Plant Fibers – Classes at BARN

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I am happy to let you know that the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, or BARN has some wonderful teachers offering to share their skills. June 17, Saturday, Nancy Sigo will teach a "NW Coast Cedar Basket" workshop. July 8 + 9, Sue Skelly will teach how to make a "4 Foot Cedar Garden Spire with Finial" in a two day workshop. August 5 + … [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