Margie began her weaving career by replacing cane seats in Antique chairs, but soon felt the need to be more creative.  After meeting a basket weaver and viewing his work, she knew this was what she wanted to do.  The lack of any nearby basket classes forced Margie to teach herself these skills.  Now, twenty years later, she is still experimenting, learning and is captivated with the art.  By altering traditional basket styles, techniques and materials, she enjoys designing and weaving unique contemporary baskets and gourds.  Many of her materials are gleaned from a walk in the forest or along the shores of a stream or lake. 

Decorating gourds is a newer art form for her, but no less pleasurable. Each gourd is designed, cut, and decorated according to its specific shape.  The gourd rim is coiled with pine needles naturally shed from the Montana state tree, the Ponderosa Pine, and waxed linen. 

The animals she paints on them are inspired by her surroundings.  By living on a ranch near Yellowstone National Park and the famous trout stream, The Madison River, it is easy to see how these images appear on her gourds.

 Whether using a gourd, antler, or a piece of driftwood, incorporating nature's treasures into a composition is a gratifying challenge. 

Margie enjoys sharing her skills by teaching basketry workshops.  Her studio is located in the shadow of Red Mountain on the family ranch in Cameron, Montana where she resides with her husband, two children and many critters.