My basket weaving journey began in 1988 when my friend taught me to make an egg basket out of reed and two embroidery hoops. As a military wife and mother of young sons, I sought a creative outlet that would also provide additional income for our family. Basket weaving was the answer, and I was hooked!

 

I traded babysitting with a friend, so I could take continuing education classes in basket weaving through the local community college. I joined the North Carolina Basketmaker’s Association, which exposed me to nationally- recognized instructors and many different basket weaving techniques. I challenged myself to take increasingly difficult classes, expanding my skills while discovering styles and techniques I prefer.

 

We moved to my husband’s family’s farm in 1994. White oak trees were available on the property, so I studied white oak basketry under two different local artisans. My collection of the four white oak baskets I made on my own is precious to me, representing days of work in this time-honored tradition.

 

In addition to basket weaving, I weave on a loom. I also grow basketry willow in my garden and I am learning to weave baskets with willow. Teaching basket weaving classes allows me to share my love of basket weaving with others.

 

My goal is to create beautiful, functional pieces and never stop learning.