Blue Ridge Basketry

Blue Ridge Basketry Hi, my name is Nancy Fitzpatrick, and I’ve started a new business.

After spending the summer of ‘25 learning to weave Appalachian rib baskets, I’ve gotten hooked on making them….but now I need to sell them, I don’t have room in my house for them!

08/10/2026

Well, I got some exciting news today!!

Hi Nancy,
Congratulations! The Jurying Committee is pleased to let you know you have been accepted! And welcome to the Weaverville Art Safari. You're now ready to get started as a Member and we're excited to have you!

I have gone to this Art Safari ( on my bike, of course! 😂) for 5 years, never imagining that I might someday been IN it, as an artist. Life is always full of surprises, and I’m ready to embrace this new life and “ identity” as an artist, after a lifetime as identifying as a competitive athlete. Age has a way of slowing one down! lol

Getting invited into this bi-annual Weaverville Art Safari, as well as my baskets now being sold in Artisans on Main, also in Weaverville, are a big achievement and positive reinforcement for me and my fledgling business.

Exciting news for Blue Ridge Basketry- my baskets have been accepted in Artisans on Main, in Weaverville, NC!And on the ...
08/05/2026

Exciting news for Blue Ridge Basketry- my baskets have been accepted in Artisans on Main, in Weaverville, NC!
And on the first day they were put out, one sold!
What a great start, I’m very excited. That makes me want to get back in my studio and make more.
This is the one that sold - I knew when I made it, and saw the colors come together, that it would be a winner.

Besides weaving Appalachian rib baskets in a variety of colors to decorate your home, I am making Game Day College baske...
08/02/2026

Besides weaving Appalachian rib baskets in a variety of colors to decorate your home, I am making Game Day College baskets. These baskets make great gifts for that favorite professor, graduating student, or for your own tailgate party on game day.
I weave in the colors of the college, put a charm on the side with the mascot or logo, and include a package of paper goods with the college logo.
If you don’t see your favorite college or university here, contact me to custom make one for you.

07/28/2026

Just finished my latest basket - Kentucky Wildcats!
Comes with a set of coasters, and ready for a tailgate party this fall

Just finished my latest basket - Kentucky Wildcats!Comes with a set of coasters, and ready for a tailgate party this fal...
07/28/2026

Just finished my latest basket - Kentucky Wildcats!
Comes with a set of coasters, and ready for a tailgate party this fall

So- WNC is having its usual ( or maybe unusual?) amount of rainfall…and I’ve been taking advantage of these rainy days ...
07/24/2026

So- WNC is having its usual ( or maybe unusual?) amount of rainfall…and I’ve been taking advantage of these rainy days with lots of time in my studio….
Still working on college baskets, but took a break today to do a pink, indigo and lavender basket. Not MY favorite colors, but I know that many people DO like these colors..so here it is
What do you think?

As I was growing my inventory of baskets, I realized that I would need a way to “house” them and also to sell them in a ...
07/19/2026

As I was growing my inventory of baskets, I realized that I would need a way to “house” them and also to sell them in a store. Shelving takes up a lot of space, and they can’t be hung on a wall very easily.
So I came up with the idea to make a basket tree ( the acronym Blue Ridge Basketry was not lost on me) from cedar.
Responding to a post, a nice gentleman farmer from Erwin, Tn provided 2 cedar posts for me, one still with branches intact.
After hours of sanding  & smoothing the rough spots, but still maintaining the bark and lichen , it was ready for 5 coats of polyurethane.
Then, with the help of a woodworker friend, we attached the tree to a Christmas tree stand, and then to a plywood board for additional stability.
I put corks on the smaller branches, leather “booties” on the larger ones ( so no one puts an eye out!), and wrapped the entire tree with grapevine that I harvested locally. Artificial moss was glued on to hide the screws of the tree stand.
A seamstress friend made the burlap skirt to cover up the tree stand and plywood, I hung my baskets on it, and took some pictures. A photographer friend enhanced the backdrop for me, and now it’s ready for Facebook, Instagram, and hopefully it will find its way to a store where my baskets can find happy buyers.
I welcome your feedback & opinions!

I finished the Alabama basket - Roll Tide!
07/14/2026

I finished the Alabama basket - Roll Tide!

Now I am buying packages of paper napkins or plates with the college/university logo to go along with the baskets, so bu...
07/14/2026

Now I am buying packages of paper napkins or plates with the college/university logo to go along with the baskets, so buyers get the idea of using them at their tailgate parties…..or give them as graduation party gifts.

Just finished the beadwork on this one - teal, gold & burnt orange. It’s a mini- 7”X 6”. They’re as difficult to do as t...
07/14/2026

Just finished the beadwork on this one - teal, gold & burnt orange. It’s a mini- 7”X 6”. They’re as difficult to do as the larger ones!

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Main Street
Weaverville, NC
28787

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