About Me

Deb has been weaving baskets since learning in Virginia in 1982.  When she moved to the NW she started using natural materials that were traditional to the area, Western Red Cedar bark, Yellow Cedar bark and others.   Her latest work uses materials she collects from her yard in Oregon.

Baskets are a tradition that is changing.  Deb Creates contemporary baskets using traditional basketry materials.  She links traditional basket materials with tapestry weaving, beading, stitching and surface design.  By combining a variety of fiber techniques in one vessel that uses basketry materials I create “new baskets”.  By blending colors and textures I change the character of the basket from only a functional vessel to a container that expresses a concept.  Some of my latest work explores shape and uses beading and stitching with birch bark and creating wall pieces using a variety of fiber techniques.  I strive to show that there is beauty in tradition and purpose to contemporary basketry.

Hand beaded pieces for the rim

Since she was raised in Michigan she decided to work with birch bark  also to make vessels.  She uses Michigan birch bark but also bark from Vermont and recently from Siberia!  ” We just don’t get cold enough winters in the NW so I’ve had to go out of the area to get my birch bark.  I love the fact that I grew up around birch trees and now I can use them to make something wonderful.  It really brings me full circle.”

Deb enjoys exploring many of basketry’s techniques and forms.  ” The diversity found in basketry really appeals to me since I don’t like only doing one thing.”