Basketry is a major and fulfilling part of my life. The variety of fibers, styles and techniques is stimulating. Wherever I go, I look for materials, no piece of driftwood, seaweed, bark or weed goes unnoticed. I love to gather - and so I work with a variety of fibers, chiefly pine needles and cedar bark. I find that pine needles are relaxing to work with and that this kind of basket doesn't have to be planned, it evolves. Size and pattern can be changed as the basket grows, sometimes emerging totally different than anticipated.
I have been making baskets since 1979 and started teaching basketry shortly after that. I have taught in major conferences and conventions throughout the United States, specializing in pine needle basketry and cedar bark basketry. My silver and gold charm necklaces have found homes in many countries. I am one of the four founders of the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild and was the mentor for the Handweavers Guild of America Certificate of Excellence in Basketry in 1999.
The Baskets:
All are coiled pine needles stiched with raffia with the exception of the porcupine quill basket and the purse. from top left to bottom right. TL=Columbia River
shoulder bag made of yellow and red cedar bark, leather strap and a hinge. Appox 10" wide. TR-"Serenity" Utilizes the Carlson Combination stich.
Has driftwood handle. Approx 10"x4". LL- Porcupine quill and birch bark basket. 6" diameter by 3" tall. Basket is currently in Russia. LM- "Pasha's
Pride" stacked diamonds stich with myrtlewood handle. Approx 9"x4". LR- Basket with Daisy's wedding present basket. Myrtlewood center straight sides,
utilizes the Carlson Combo stich approx 10"x3".