I am Ashleigh, the weaver behind Appalachian Basketcase.

I was raised in the hills of rural West Virginia where values of hard work and resourcefulness were woven into everyday life. My parents and grandparents didn’t just teach me how to live- they taught me to thrive with what you had. To make something out of nothing, and that wisdom passed down through calloused hands shaped who I am and how I create.

My connection to basketry is also a connection to my distant heritage. Part of my ancestors were natives from the Creek tribe. Although I was not raised within Native traditions, I carry a deep respect for them. Many of my baskets are inspired by Native American symbolism and technique, and I approach each piece with humility and honor- knowing that I am walking a path shaped by generations of resilience and artistry.

Many of my baskets have found homes in cabins, markets, and galleries. I have won multiple blue ribbons and I am honored to be a juried Tamarack artisan. My work is featured in the 2025 West Virginia Vacation Guide, and you can find my baskets at Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia Marketplace.

I travel throughout West Virginia and North Carolina, attending artisan events and connecting with people who love handmade legacy. Weaving new friendships, and connections one basket at a time.

Staying true to tradition is at the heart of everything I do, honoring the old ways. But I also believe that tradition isn’t meant to be frozen in time it’s meant to evolve. That’s why I bridge utility of old with modern artistry. I build my baskets tough, to withstand life’s elements. For me it’s not about choosing between old and new- it’s about weaving them together.

What I love most about basketry is its soul. In a world of convenience, it reminds us that beauty and purpose can live side by side. A well crafted basket can be functional and exquisite. When someone runs their fingers over the rim of one of my creations, I smile. They see beauty. I see the resilience of hands long gone.