Learning how to weave back in the late 1980’s, it didn’t take long for it to become a wonderful expression of creativity and daily function. I was privileged, after a few months, to be able to assist and began teaching beginner basket for a thriving local basket maker. It was such a joy and I learned so very much! As life happened, it was necessary for me to step away, but the passion remained and the dream of making baskets again was never far away.
In 2019, I found myself living in Georgia with an opportunity to weave and teach again. Making new friends, finding a great guild, sharing skills and techniques, it didn’t take long to start again. When I returned to the Kansas City area, once again, Cathy Sylvester and I became acquainted and instantly became the best of friends!
I am truly blessed to be able to be part of Tanglewood Baskets now. Our shared vision to promote and continue the heritage of basket making and associated skills.

I am so excited to announce that my husband. Rob, has purchased a small wood mill and has started milling lumber from trees he cleared from an old fence line and turning it into wood crafts. This year we have offered pieces at the 2022 Bingham Waggoner Antique and Craft Sale. Missouri Town Fall Festival, and the BHMS Holiday Mart, and they have been a HIT! My favorites are the Celtic Knot Rolling Pins, Swedish Cheese boards and Knives, and the Charcuterie Boards. Below are photos of some of his beauitful products.

Tanglewood Baskets and Wood Craft was created by Rob and Cathy Sylvester, and is located on the outskirts of Independence, Missouri. It features hand woven baskets and wood crafts made from hand milled wood harvested from the small farm located on the bluffs that overlook the Little Blue River, in Jackson County, Missouri.

Cathy Sylvester has been weaving, designing, and teaching basket classes for over 30 years.  Cathy has taught at previous Missouri Basket Weavers Guild Conventions, the Oklahoma Weavers Weekend, Missouri Town 1855, Powell Botanical Gardens, and other venues around Jackson County Missouri. Her baskets are exhibited and sold at the Amana Colonies in Iowa.  Cathy teaches basket classes, designs and creates patterns, and sells kits from her Tanglewood Baskets studio in Independence, MO.  She is a retired Blue Springsl Middle School Spanish teacher who especially loves traditional reed baskets and has a passion for teaching and promoting the craft.

Cathy’s husband, Rob has a small sawmill and woodshop. After he retired from teaching college and high school, he used his building skills from rehabbing houses to do woodcraft. He makes basket bases and accessories, and also makes a variety of wood projects. All items are made from trees he milled from our small acreage at the edge of Independence, Missouri. Rob works with hardwoods such as Black Walnut, Oak, Maple and Osage Orange, and also uses Sycamore, Elm, Hackberry, and Cedar. We are proud to maintain a stretch of Missouri’s natural forest.

For a change in pace I have scheduled two interesting weaving projects that take reed weaving beyond the basket!

The classes are as follows:

Update:  The Aug 25, 2018 Woven Spiral Vase w/Wood Base class has been CANCELLED.  This class will now be offered at the Tanglewood Baskets Studio located in Independence, MO on Nov. 3rd, 2018 from 9:00-1:00. Cost:  $30. For more information or to enroll, contact csylvstr@yahoo.com.

Create this stunning 6″ Spiral Vase while learning how to weave around a form using a wooden base.

A variety of color options will be provided.  Vase included in the kit.

Nov 10, 2018 “A Wreath for all Seasons” Beginner Level $38     9:00-1:00  at Vesper Hall, Blue Springs, MO.

This woven wreath will serve year round! Simply make a new seasonal swag to mark the seasons.

This class includes the wreath form, reed, ribbon, and all materials needed for making the Autumn Swag.

This is an easy project.     Beginners welcome!  Follow link here: http://www.bluespringsgov.com/1847/Weaving-Decorative-Baskets