Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

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Gratitudes For the Cedar Exhibit at Heronswood

March 27, 2019 By Melinda

Darlene Peters S’Klallam Cultural Teacher & Weaver

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for every person here. Hannah Jones who made this exhibit so beautiful & Deb Sweet who helped build the weaving programs at BARN. Dan Hinkley, one of the original Heronswood Founders, who now offers his guidance and expertise as the Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation breathes life back into the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Artwork, Community, My Teachers, Upcoming Tagged With: Betty Pasco, Clam Basket A Story By Ed Carriere, Dan Hinkley, Darlene Peters, Denise Dumouchel, Duane Pasco, Ed Carriere, Ellen Miyasato, Hannah Jones, Heronswood Garden, Heronswood Garden House Exhibit, Jessica Henderson, Joan Garrow, Karen Salsbury, Katie Jennings, LeeAnn Woolery, Makita Wilborn, Melissa Streun, Polly Adams Sutton, S’Klallam, Skagit elder Vi Hilbert, Skokomish elder Bruce Miller, Sue Skelly

Polly Adams Sutton teaches “Chasing Bear Grass” Basket at BARN

March 2, 2019 By Melinda

Polly Adams Sutton - Chasing Bear Grass Basket at BARN

On the West Coast of North America, where I live, it is hard to complain about the mostly mild weather, but after several weeks of snow and freezing temps, it felt good to get out and gather with others at the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, BARN, and spend a fun day weaving together under the steady guidance of Polly Adams Sutton.  Polly … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Artwork, Community, News, Workshops Tagged With: Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network, BARN, BARN workshops, Chasing Bear Grass, Polly Adams Sutton, Small Cedar Bark Basket

Sculptural Weaving With Polly Adams Sutton

July 19, 2017 By Melinda

Basket By Polly Adams Sutton

https://bainbridgebarn.wildapricot.org/event-2525482 Above is a link to more information about the upcoming August 5-6 workshop with Polly Adams Sutton at the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, BARN. There are many artists I've been influenced by. When I see a shape in space that I like, or materials that draw me in, or a brilliant idea … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Artwork, Community, News, Upcoming, Weaving with Cedar, Workshops Tagged With: Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network, BARN, BARN workshops, Polly Adams Sutton, Sculptural Weaving with NW Naturals

Weaving With NW Plant Fibers – Classes at BARN

April 12, 2017 By Melinda

Cedar Bark and Bear Grass Basket

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...]

Filed Under: Community, News, Upcoming, Workshops Tagged With: Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, BARN workshops, Nancy Sigo, Polly Adams Sutton, Sue Skelly

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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

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