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What’s Wove Got to Do With It?
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2018/07 - July | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography
It’s summer.
We’re anxious to plant bulbs and annuals. We rip out the invasive weeds, vines, and kudzu for flower bed–prep. Those infernal weeds, the ones that make us basket cases, are the very things Jamie Baumgarner clips, dries, soaks, and turns into a basket. Many of her materials are growing right under our feet.
Jamie learned how to make baskets four years ago at the tutelage of her mother-in-law, artist Pauline Marr. Weaving nature’s fibers felt familiar, like it was something she was meant to explore.
Once she got a feel for the technique, she couldn’t wait to make a basket for her best friend. Making baskets in the beginning was like sharing a part of herself with family and friends. Her fame spread by word-of-mouth. Now she is selling her work on Saturdays at the Farmer’s Market and during regular business hours at Hunley & Hux at the Ingles Shopping Center.
“I’ve always loved to create,” says Jamie. “I used to be more rustically inclined. I made bracelets when I was little. Moving from braiding to crocheting to knitting to basket weaving was a natural progression for me.”
As a working mom, Jamie is careful to make time for her nine-year old daughter, Kylee. Jamie and Pauline enjoy sharing their artistic skills with her. It’s not a hard-sell. Kylee has art in her blood. Finding time to work while raising a child is a little tricky however. Jamie waits until Kylee goes to sleep to make her wares, trying to maintain an inventory of 20–30 finished products for weekend sales.
Jamie creates a variety of basket styles, including Appalachian, Amish egg baskets, fanny baskets, and more. She is constantly adding new designs to her repertoire. If you want a custom basket, Jamie is willing to give it a go. And she is quite skilled at repairing old baskets.
You can catch Jamie and Pauline at the Farmer’s Market almost every Saturday. Call or email her in advance to be sure she’s there: (828) 226-8870 or email: [email protected].
