Nature enthusiasts, do-it-yourselfers, parents and teachers, this section is for you. Below are some of my favorite plant fiber art making experiences with young people.
These are hands-on projects that immerse students into culture, science, and art. Most of these projects can be adapted to be less complex for 1st and 2nd graders, more complex for 3rd and 4th, and so on, right through to adults who are ready to expand their brains with hands-on learning experiences.
Small projects here include: Cordage Making, Bracelets, Nature Necklaces, Nature Bead Making, Woven Bracelets, Woven Pouch Treasure Necklace, Woven Cedar Bark Wall Hanging, Cattail Projects, Cattail and Cedar Roses, Weaving Salmon, Weaving Cattail Rattles, Clam Shell Rattle Necklace, Coiled Cordage Pendant, Whisk Broom Making, etc.
With the support of IslandWood, Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, and other generous donors, I am working on an infographic for you who love to make things with the gifts of the plants that grace this landscape. I hope you’ll keep in touch!
Greetings – It’s 2026!
Here is an informative video of all the wonderful workshops being featured this April at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network (BARN as part of the celebration of Craft 2026.
Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026 – Weaving Nature
I’m honored to be offering an intensive 5 day workshop at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network as a part of Craft 2026.
Weaving Nature – Seasonal Gifts of Plants for Basketmaking
It’s been a busy fall gathering many of the plants we’ll be using in this workshop. I’m grateful to Jennifer Hemmingsen at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network for putting together this article. Please be sure to click on “Handwork: Weaving traditions, stewardship and place with Melinda West” to view this article and links to registration and […]
Craft 2026 – Upcoming Workshop at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network
I’m looking forward to leading a five day workshop at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network as a part of Craft 2026.
Mathewson and West’s October Workshop At Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network
Spend three inspired days exploring local plant-fiber use and universal fiber techniques with two contemporary plant-fiber artists, Margaret Mathewson and Melinda West, at the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network.
Fish Skin Preparation into a Material For Craft
Koyukon and Athabascan Artist, Audrey Armstrong, recently taught a Fish Skin Workshop at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network. I’ll be sharing bits of what we learned. She was a wonderful teacher.
Bloedel Reserve Residency Notes #2
I am grateful for the affirmation and support I’ve received as a participant in the 2023 Bloedel Reserve’s Creative Residency Program.
Basketry Program at BARN-Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network
After a long pause in the basketry program at the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network (BARN) due to the covid pandemic, it was wonderful to contribute to this program by teaching a Weaving Nature Workshop at BARN this Fall.
Weaving Nature Workshop Fall 2022 at BARN
Hello again. I’m still here and I hope you are too! Are you interested in learning how to respectfully and sustainably gather, prepare, store and utilize fibers from the plants and trees that grow in the communities we are a part of?
