Instagram story viewer> @swamp.sticks> Posts

Maria Bullock

@swamp.sticks

104

posts

2.3K

followers

796

following

I live on Orcas Island on a permaculture homestead. I grow, harvest and process all my weaving materials.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

How often have I said to myself: gosh I really need a chicken basket!Now we have one. 🐓 🧺 I also think it will be great onion storage or other root crop. Will obviously be putting a chicken in the basket to show you how it works later. And the others are lamp shades destined to adorn weaving studios.With the wandering willow weavers:@swamp.sticks @anna.midori.dianich @gryffinandbeau @fieldandforestcrafts by @swamp.sticks

129

4

24 days ago

Wandering Willow weavers May 26’Check out them corners!!Every technique feels like it unlocks a deeper appreciation for this craft. In gratitude @swamp.sticks And my fellow wanderers + weavers @gryffinandbeau @anna.midori.dianich @fieldandforestcrafts by @swamp.sticks

130

9

2 months ago

To private collectors, interior designers, and architects — we would love to work with you on your next project.We are an Orcas Island artist collective offering a cohesive, nature-rooted collection of thoughtfully crafted artwork across many mediums — painting, sculpture, wood, stone, metal, willow, ceramics, and more.Our focus is creating spaces that feel organic, grounded, and deeply connected to place.Beyond helping curate collections for homes, interiors, hospitality, and commercial spaces, we also welcome clients into our artist studios and creative practices — offering a more personal connection to the work and the people behind it.From the artists’ studios directly into your space, we can also assist with delivery and installation throughout the San Juan Islands and Greater Seattle.Reach out — we would love to collaborate with you.#orcasisland #artistsstudio #artcollector by @swamp.sticks

168

10

2 months ago

Spellsweptby Maria BullockA willow creation—an invitation to step into contemplation and quiet reflection.Woven from multitudes of vibrant willow whips, this piece holds form only for a fleeting moment… before nature gently reclaims it, returning it to the forest floor.She has done it again! A wild masterpiece. Looking for its new home, available to see it person, here at the Orcas Art Barn! Inquiries welcome.#orcasislandart #mariabullock #orcasisland #willowweaving #orcasartbarn by @swamp.sticks

300

8

3 months ago

I am delighted host Beth Homa @birchbarkbeth at beautiful Orcas Island! Birch Bark Pouch w/ leather flapIn this 2 day introduction into plaited basketry, learn about the harvest techniques used to collect bark from a White Paper Birch Tree (from Northern Minnesota). Try your hand at processing the raw bark into a pliable material that will be woven as you create your own small pouch. You will learn the basics of the double diagonal plaited weave pattern to make the base of a small pouch roughly 5.5”x 4” x 1.5” in size. The instructor will bring leather and buttons/toggles for the students to choose from to add to their basket as a flap. Option to saddle stitch around the leather flap to create a more finished edge. Carefully assembling everything together makes this sweet little basket into a usable travel pouch. Dates: May 9th - 10th Times: 9am - 5pm (1hr lunch break around noon)Min age: 16 y/oMax # of students: 10Tuition $200 at registration plus $120 materials fee paid to the instructor at the start of the workshopTo register please message me or send me an email at maria.bullock@gmx.com by @swamp.sticks

64

3

4 months ago

Back with the Wandering Willow Weavers crew. 2nd year apprenticeship with Maria @swamp.sticks and we’re diving right in to exploring new and familiar skills and testing our hand strength. This month we worked on shaping and exploring new weaves and patterns. Our first basket was a bowl shape base that transitions at a sloped angle from the wale to a tricky weave that didn’t have a specific name (which we lovingly now refer to as the Double French Cross) weaving two rows simultaneously in opposite directions making for an interesting tangle. Finishing with an Irish window.Our second was laundry basket size and an opportunity to play with every weave we could fit in. Creating flowy lines and pushing symmetry. Color was a playful option from deep purple black, brown, greens and reds. Anything your imagination could explore. In gratitude for Maria’s expertise, patience and encouraging support.Friends, weavers support and the dog pal crew!@anna.midori.dianich @gryffinandbeau @fieldandforestcrafts by @swamp.sticks

99

9

4 months ago

Look closer…Every surface holds a story.Wood shaped by time,stone softened by water,metal carrying the memory of fire.Hands translating nature—into texture, into form, into feeling.This is not just art you see…it’s something you experience.Join us for the Art Barn reopening,April 11th.Come see it in person.#orcasislandart #orcasartbarn #natureinspiredart #textureinart #artinnature by @swamp.sticks

135

5

4 months ago

Orcas Art Barn is reopening for its second season with the intention of creating a space where art, nature, and quiet presence come together. Beginning April 11, the barn will be open every Saturday, inviting visitors to slow down, step inside, and experience artwork created by local Orcas Island artists.Located in a repurposed hay barn, the Art Barn brings together painting, sculpture, wood, stone, metal, and ceramic works inspired by the natural beauty of our land. It is a place to wander through art at your own pace, take in the creative spirit of the island, and perhaps step outside for a walk — even take your shoes off and feel the earth beneath your feet — reconnecting with nature and the quiet rhythms that inspire so much of the work inside.Orcas Art Barn celebrates the talent of local artists and offers collectors the opportunity to discover meaningful pieces rooted in the landscape and spirit of the island.#orcasisland #localartist #artcollector #natureinspiredart #sanjuanislands by @swamp.sticks

161

12

5 months ago

At the Art Barn, NATURE isn’t just inspiration—it’s the material itself.Stone, wood, paint, willow, metal, and clay come together in works shaped by hand and place. Each piece is created by local Orcas Island artists, using natural elements to tell quiet, powerful stories of this island we call home. 🌿Reopening doors April 11th! #orcasislandart #orcasisland #natureinspiredart #pacificnorthwestart #artbarn by @swamp.sticks

196

5

6 months ago

Come by this SUNDAY, Dec 21st 11-4pm Lots of local art, rooted in nature! Hope to see you there! 🎄✨“When you gift art, you give something that continues to speak.”📍 Art Barn 631 W Beach Rd#OrcasIsland #OrcasIslandArt #ArtBarn by @swamp.sticks

97

6

7 months ago

Thank you to all who come yesterday to the Art Barn. Many willow trays were made, hot teas sipped, medlars tasted all in the cozy surroundings of beautiful local art. by @swamp.sticks

83

2

8 months ago

I will be offering a willow tension tray workshops on Saturday the 29th at the Art Barn . Workshops will start at noon, 2pm and 4pm. I will have limited room 6 people each time, first come first served,$35 per person. Also just come, enjoy this beautiful space and the art that it’s holding !#handmade #willow by @swamp.sticks

41

1

8 months ago