My baskets are a portrayal of nature and people. Deep within each basket is a gratitude I’ve reached through my closeness with nature and my quests with life. As i collect my natural materials, I ask permission of Mother Earth for her cedar bark, cattails, sweet grass and spruce roots. Standing in the deep marshes to gather textiles, I reflect upon my grandmother and my great-grandmother , knowing I am much like them so many years ago.
Each of my baskets are designed with a mixture of traditions from various Northwest Coastal Tribes. Every basket is an original of its own as the patterns and designs cannot be duplicated.
The natural elements of the materials are not hidden instead they enhance the beauty of the form. There is simplicity and complexity all woven into exquisitely wrapped baskets.
I am excited to mix the designs of yesterday and today, representing a newness in an art that has endured for thousands of years.
Working on a basket it slowly comes alive. As I finish a basket it brings a wonderful sense of accomplishment to my life.
Woodlanders Episode 26: Quinault Cedar Bark Baketry
Harvest Moon 
Dear One, Harvest Moon
we are so looking forward to your lecture and basket weaving class today in PA! an amiga made a Song about the Cedar Tree that’s been singing me since we learned of your Gifting today. it’s called [of course!] Oh Cedar Tree, lol! in the song the Tree is asked to Pray/Dance/Sing with me,,, i’ve added WEAVE! ‘Ohhhhh, Cedar Tree ~ clap your hands and WEAVE with me! heyahey heyahey…’
this morning we send such deep gratitude for your sharing of your culture, your stories and for teaching us how to Weave our selves as we make a little container to hold our gratitudes today.
thank you from these hearts!
helen heronheart and Conrado Shamandero, Above the Salish Sea in sequim